How common is aortic valve stenosis?
Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is a disease of the aortic valves in which the opening of the valve is narrowed. When the opening of the aortic valve becomes narrowed or constricted (stenotic), the blood can not be pumped adequately
Approximately 2% of people over the age of 65, 3% of people over age 75, and 4% percent of people over age 85 have aortic valve stenosis. The prevalence is increasing with the aging population in North America and Europe. Normal valves have three leaflets (tricuspid), but some valves have two leaflets (bicuspid). Typically, aortic stenosis due to calcification of a bicuspid valve appears earlier, in the 40s and 50s, while aortic stenosis due to calcification of a normal valve appears later, in the 70s and 80s. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipoproteinemia and uremia may speed up the process. The initial presenting symptoms include progressive shortness of breath with activity, which may be so subtle that the patient is unaware of them, and may cut down on exertion without being aware of his/her reduced capacity. More advanced symptoms include
If untreated, the interval from onset to death varies by symptoms
There is no medical treatment to reverse aortic stenosis. In advanced stages, surgery is required to correct this problem. When heart valves are severely malformed or destroyed, they may need to be replaced with a new mechanism. Replacement valve mechanisms fall into two categories: tissue (biologic) valves, which include animal valves and donated human aortic valves; and mechanical valves, which can be metal, plastic, or another artificial material. Percutaneous and catheter based procedures are available for patients who are not candidates for surgical replacement. |
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