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A Minimally Invasive Model of Aortic Stenosis in Swine
Published on: October 20, 2023
[New insight into the treatment of aortic stenosis]
Philippe Pibarot1, Jean G Dumesnil, Patrick Mathieu
1Centre de recherche de l'Hôpital Laval, Institut de cardiologie de Québec, Université Laval, 2725, chemin Sainte-Foy, Sainte-Foy, Québec, G1V 4G5 Canada. philippe.pibarot@med.ulaval.ca
Insights
Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is a common heart disease. New research shows AS involves the whole arterial system, not just the valve, suggesting new treatment approaches.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pathophysiology
- Biomedical Research
Context:
- Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is a prevalent cardiovascular condition, second only to coronary artery disease and hypertension.
- Historically viewed as a degenerative process due to aging, recent evidence suggests AS shares similarities with atherosclerosis.
- Growing understanding indicates AS is interconnected with systemic arterial abnormalities, particularly reduced arterial compliance.
Purpose:
- To re-evaluate the understanding of aortic valve stenosis (AS) beyond a localized valvular disease.
- To highlight the pathophysiological links between AS, systemic arterial health, and left ventricular function.
- To advocate for a comprehensive evaluation approach in managing AS.
Summary:
- Calcific aortic valve stenosis (AS) exhibits histological similarities to atherosclerosis, implying potential for therapeutic modification.
- AS is frequently associated with systemic arterial disease, notably reduced arterial compliance, impacting disease outcomes.
- A holistic assessment of the aortic valve, systemic arteries, and left ventricle is crucial for effective AS management.
Impact:
- Shifts the paradigm of AS from a degenerative valve condition to a systemic disease process.
- Opens avenues for lifestyle and pharmacological interventions targeting AS.
- Emphasizes the need for integrated diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in cardiovascular care.
Abstract:
Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is the most frequent heart disease after coronary artery disease and arterial hypertension and it is associated with a high incidence of adverse outcomes. Historically, calcific AS has been considered as "degenerative" because it was thought to be the result from aging and "wear and tear" of the aortic valve. However, this perception has changed over the years with the publication of several studies showing that the calcific AS shares many histological similarities with atherosclerosis, thus suggesting that this disease could eventually be modified by lifestyle or pharmacological therapies. Furthermore, recent data support the notion that AS is not an isolated disease uniquely limited to the valve. Indeed, AS is frequently associated with abnormalities of the systemic arterial system, and in particular with reduced arterial compliance, which may have important consequences on the pathophysiology and clinical outcome of this disease. Hence, the assessment of AS severity as well as its therapeutic management should be conducted with the use of a comprehensive evaluation that includes not only the aortic valve but also the systemic arterial system and the left ventricle, since these 3 entities are tightly intricated on both the pathophysiological and hemodynamic standpoints.
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