A 70-Year-Old Man Is Brought to the Emergency Room Because

A 70-year-old man is brought to the Emergency Room because he lost consciousness while working in the garden.  He says that he had several episodes of near-syncope on exertion recently.  His past medical history is insignificant.  He is not taking any medications.  His blood pressure is 110/85 mmHg and heart rate is 80/min.  Point of maximal impulse is increased in intensity.  Cardiac auscultation reveals ejection-type systolic murmur at the base of the heart with radiation to the carotid arteries.  ECG demonstrates left ventricular hypertrophy, and secondary ST segment and T wave changes.  What is the most probable cause of this patient's condition?

A) Rheumatic endocarditis
B) Bacterial endocarditis
C) Hypertension
D) Congenital anomaly
E) Age-related sclerocalcific changes

Correct Answer:

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