New considerations in the assessment of aortic stenosis

Abstract

Calcific aortic stenosis (AS) is one of the most common acquired valvular heart diseases in industrialized nations. It is a slowly progressive disease and with the aging population, the prevalence of AS is expected to increase. Doppler echocardiography is used to classify patients based on severity of stenosis. Research efforts on how to better identify and risk-assess these patients are currently underway using advanced imaging modalities and serum biomarkers. Thus far, medications for AS prevention have been unsuccessful. As technology progresses, the assessment of AS will transition from one heavily weighed on echocardiographic gradients to one of active surveillances with multimodality imaging, serum biomarkers and genetic assessment.