Q. A 68-year-old male who passed out at the park during an early morning jog is rushed to the emergency room. While jogging, the patient explained that he developed dizziness and sat down on the curb to avoid falling. After the incident, he was not disoriented and showed no signs of bladder or bowel incontinence. However, he experienced a similar episode in which he felt dizzy while climbing the stairs a month ago. He has had some exertional shortness of breath over the last few months, but has not experienced headaches, blurred vision, or chest discomfort. The patient’s history includes hypertension, which is managed with a hydrochlorothiazide. Otherwise, patient is generally in good health. He has smoked two packs of cigarettes every day since college and consumes a glass of wine on weekends.
Blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg, heart rate is 80/min and his respirations are 16/min. A physical examination reveals an S4, diminished S2, and systolic ejection murmur in the aortic region. A delay in carotid pule is observed. Neurological examination is unremarkable. Cardiac enzymes are within normal range. An ECG shows normal sinus rhythm with left ventricular hypertrophy.
What is the appropriate best next step?