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Isolation of Mouse Interstitial Valve Cells to Study the Calcification of the Aortic Valve In Vitro
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Heart valve calcification and cardiac hemodynamics

Andrea Rossi1, Andrea Barbieri2, Giovanni Benfari1

  • 1Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Verona, Italy.

Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
|March 11, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Heart valve calcification (VC) is linked to poorer heart function and hemodynamics. This study found VC independently associated with impaired diastolic function and higher pulmonary artery pressure.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Echocardiography
  • Cardiovascular Disease

Background:

  • Heart valve calcification (VC) increases cardiovascular risk.
  • The hemodynamic and functional impact of VC requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the hemodynamic and functional profile of patients with heart valve calcification (VC).
  • To determine the association between VC and echocardiographic parameters.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive echocardiographic examination was performed on 1098 consecutive patients.
  • VC was identified in 31% of the study population.
  • Multivariate models were used to assess independent associations.

Main Results:

  • Patients with VC were older and had more comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease.
  • VC was associated with lower ejection fraction, worse diastolic function (elevated E/e'), and higher pulmonary artery pressure (PASP).
  • The association of VC with diastolic function and PASP remained significant after multivariate analysis.

Conclusions:

  • Heart valve calcification is associated with a worse functional and hemodynamic profile.
  • VC is independently linked to impaired diastolic function and elevated pulmonary artery pressure.
Abstract

Keywords:
diastolic functionechocardiographyheart valve calcificationpulmonary artery pressure

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