A 72-year-old man presents with progressive exertional dyspnea, occasional dizziness, and a crescendo-decrescendo systolic murmur best heard at the right upper sternal border radiating to the carotids. A delayed carotid upstroke is noted on examination. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial diagnostic test to confirm the diagnosis and assess severity?
✓ Correct Answer: Option C
The clinical presentation is highly suggestive of aortic stenosis. TTE is the gold standard for diagnosis, assessing valve morphology, transvalvular gradients, and left ventricular function.