Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement
08:50

Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement

Published on: March 26, 2018

Prevention of aortic valve stenosis: a realistic therapeutic target?

D T Ngo1, A L Sverdlov, J D Horowitz

  • 1University of Adelaide, Basil Hetzel Research Institute, Department of Cardiology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Australia.

Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|April 21, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Aortic valve stenosis (AS) treatment options are limited, but new pharmacotherapies may slow disease progression. Research suggests ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and osteoporosis drugs show promise for managing AS.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is the most prevalent valvular heart disease in Western populations, particularly affecting individuals over 80.
  • Current treatment for AS is limited to valve replacement, despite early stages being linked to increased coronary event risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review emerging pharmacotherapeutic options for aortic valve stenosis (AS).
  • To explore potential treatments that could slow the progression of AS and reduce associated risks.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies in animal models and retrospective human evaluations.
  • Analysis of emerging therapeutic agents, including their potential impact on AS pathophysiology.

Main Results:

  • Lipid-reducing therapies have not demonstrated efficacy in slowing AS progression.
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) show potential in preclinical and retrospective human studies.
  • Osteoporosis medications are also being investigated for their promise in retarding AS progression.

Conclusions:

  • Pharmacological interventions targeting AS pathophysiology, such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and osteoporosis drugs, offer potential for disease modification.
  • Expedited development of these novel therapeutic strategies is crucial given the significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs associated with AS.

More Related Videos

Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots12:17

Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots

Published on: May 21, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
Aortic Regurgitation IV: Nursing Management01:17

Aortic Regurgitation IV: Nursing Management

A nurse managing a patient with aortic regurgitation begins with a comprehensive assessment, including a review of the patient's medical history, family history, and lifestyle factors. During the cardiac examination, the nurse listens for heart sounds and checks for signs of valve abnormalities. The nurse also observes for symptoms such as dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and assesses the patient's endurance and daily activity tolerance.Based on the findings, the nurse...