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Natural history of aortic valve stenosis of varying severity in the elderly
A M Iivanainen1, M Lindroos, R Tilvis
1Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Insights
Moderate to severe aortic valve stenosis is common in older adults, particularly women. This condition significantly increases the risk of death within four years, while mild cases have a favorable prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is a common valvular heart disease in the elderly.
- The prevalence and prognostic implications of AVS in older populations require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of moderate or severe aortic valve stenosis in an elderly population.
- To assess the association between aortic valve stenosis severity and long-term mortality.
Main Methods:
- Doppler echocardiography was used to assess aortic valve stenosis in 501 individuals aged 75–86 years.
- Mortality data was analyzed over a 4-year follow-up period.
- Age- and sex-adjusted survival analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Moderate or severe aortic valve stenosis was detected in 8.8% of women and 3.6% of men.
- Severe aortic valve stenosis was associated with a four-fold increased risk of death.
- Increased mortality was also observed with moderate lesions, whereas mild aortic valve stenosis showed a favorable outcome.
Conclusions:
- Aortic valve stenosis is prevalent in individuals aged 75 and older, with higher rates in women.
- The severity of aortic valve stenosis is a significant predictor of long-term mortality in this age group.
- Early detection and management of aortic valve stenosis may improve survival in the elderly.
Abstract:
In a population sample of 501 persons aged 75 to 86 years, Doppler echocardiography uncovered moderate or severe aortic valve stenosis in 8.8% of women and 3.6% of men. Severe aortic valve stenosis predicted a four-fold-age- and sex-adjusted risk of death within 4 years of diagnosis, and mortality tended to be increased also with moderate lesions; mild aortic valve stenosis had a favorable outcome.