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Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus
06:43

Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus

Published on: December 7, 2013

Aortic valve sclerosis and aortic atherosclerosis: different manifestations of the same disease? Insights from a

Y Agmon1, B K Khandheria, I Meissner

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|August 31, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Atherosclerosis risk factors and aortic atherosclerosis are linked to aortic valve abnormalities in the general population. This suggests aortic valve sclerosis is an atherosclerosis-like process.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Clinical and experimental evidence suggests aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) may be a manifestation of the atherosclerotic process.
  • Understanding the link between atherosclerosis risk factors and aortic valve abnormalities is crucial for cardiovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between common atherosclerosis risk factors, aortic atherosclerosis, and aortic valve abnormalities in a general population sample.
  • To determine if aortic atherosclerosis is independently associated with aortic valve abnormalities.

Main Methods:

  • Echocardiography (transthoracic and transesophageal) was used to assess 381 individuals from the Olmsted County population.
  • Evaluated presence of AVS (thickened leaflets), elevated transaortic flow velocities, and aortic regurgitation (AR).
  • Examined associations between atherosclerosis risk factors, aortic atherosclerosis, and aortic valve abnormalities.

Main Results:

  • Age, male gender, higher body mass index, antihypertensive treatment, and homocysteine levels were associated with increased AVS risk.
  • Age, body mass index, and pulse pressure correlated with elevated transaortic velocities; only age was linked to AR.
  • Sclerosis of the sinotubular junction and ascending aorta atherosclerosis were associated with AVS and elevated transaortic velocities, respectively.

Conclusions:

  • Atherosclerosis risk factors and proximal aortic atherosclerosis are independently associated with aortic valve abnormalities.
  • These findings support the hypothesis that aortic valve sclerosis is an atherosclerosis-like process affecting the aortic valve.
Abstract

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