Abstract
The clinical picture of sclerosis of the aorta was studied in 107 men. They presented a systolic murmur at the cardiac apex and the aorta usually with accentuated second aortic sound. The heart was not enlarged. The phonocardiogram was characteristic, with a protosystolic murmur sometimes lasting to midsystole with an ample gap before the beginning of the second aortic sound. The maximum fell within the first half of systole. The pulse pressure was usually increased. Compared with a group of 124 men of the same age without auscultatory or phonocardiographic indications of aortic sclerosis, there were no significant differences regarding the averages of body height and weight, skin-fold thickness, serum cholesterol, physical activity, and diastolic blood pressure. The 90 per cent of the men who did not show other cardiopathy had no cardiovascular complaints and were able to do their work very well, including heavy work. Aortic sclerosis as such is a condition with a favorable prognosis.
This clinical picture should be distinguished from that of aortic stenosis.