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Published on: November 28, 2018
Valvular aortic stenosis in the elderly
1Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York 10595, USA. wsaronow@aol.com
Insights
Elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) often have concurrent cardiovascular issues. Early aortic valve replacement (AVR) is recommended once symptoms appear to improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Elderly patients with valvular aortic stenosis (AS) frequently exhibit coronary risk factors and atherosclerotic diseases.
- Statins show potential in mitigating AS progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the diagnosis, management, and treatment indications for aortic stenosis in elderly patients.
- To detail the indications for aortic valve replacement (AVR) and subsequent anticoagulation strategies.
Main Methods:
- Physical examination findings, including prolonged duration and late peaking of aortic systolic ejection murmurs, help differentiate severe from mild AS.
- Doppler echocardiography is the primary diagnostic tool for assessing AS prevalence and severity.
Main Results:
- Severe AS typically manifests as angina pectoris, syncope, or congestive heart failure.
- Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is indicated for symptomatic severe or moderate AS.
Conclusions:
- Indefinite warfarin is recommended post-AVR for mechanical valves or bioprosthetic valves with specific risk factors (atrial fibrillation, thromboembolism, LV dysfunction, hypercoagulable condition).
- Aspirin (75-100 mg daily) is advised for bioprosthetic valves without these risk factors.
Abstract:
Elderly patients with valvular aortic stenosis have an increased prevalence of coronary risk factors, of coronary artery disease, and evidence of other atherosclerotic vascular diseases. Statins may reduce the progression of aortic stenosis (AS). Angina pectoris, syncope or near syncope, and congestive heart failure are the 3 classic manifestations of severe AS. Prolonged duration and late peaking of an aortic systolic ejection murmur best differentiate severe AS from mild AS on physical examination. Doppler echocardiography is used to diagnose the prevalence and severity of AS. The indications for cardiac catheterization and the medical management of AS are discussed. Once symptoms develop, aortic valve replacement (AVR) should be performed in patients with severe or moderate AS. Other indications for AVR are discussed. Warfarin should be administered indefinitely after AVR in patients with a mechanical aortic valve and in patients with a bioprosthetic aortic valve who have either atrial fibrillation, prior thromboembolism, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, or a hypercoagulable condition. Patients with a bioprosthetic aortic valve without any of these 4 risk factors should be treated with aspirin 75-100 mg daily.
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