Management of mild aortic stenosis in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery

Pathophysiology of Aortic Valve Stenosis: Is It Both Fibrocalcific and Sex Specific?

Our understanding of the fundamental biology and identification of efficacious therapeutic targets in aortic valve stenosis has lagged far behind the fields of atherosclerosis and heart failure. In this review, we highlight the most clinically relevant problems facing men and women with fibrocalcific aortic valve stenosis, discuss the fundamental biology underlying valve calcification and fibrosis, and identify key molecular points of intersection with sex hormone signaling.

Aortic valve and ascending aorta guidelines for management and quality measures: executive summary

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines are intended to assist physicians and other health care providers in clinical decision making by describing a range of generally acceptable approaches for the diagnosis, management, or prevention of specific diseases or conditions. These guidelines should not be considered inclusive of all proper methods of care or exclusive of other methods of care reasonably directed at obtaining the same results. Moreover, these guidelines are subject to change over time, without notice. The ultimate judgment regarding the care of a particular patient must be made by the physician in light of the individual circumstances presented by the patient.

Aortic stenosis: is it simply a degenerative process or an active atherosclerotic process?

Aortic stenosis remains the most common cause of cardiac valve replacement in developed countries. The prevalence of this condition increases with age, and many of the risk factors for coronary artery disease also appear related to the development and progression of aortic stenosis. Recent studies also suggest a relationship between calcium and lipid accumulation in both coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis. Most important, there is growing evidence that aggressive treatment of coronary artery disease risk factors, particularly hyperlipidemia, may influence the progression of aortic stenosis. In this article the current literature is reviewed as it relates to vascular biology, pathogenesis of aortic valve disease, and current and newly emerging management approaches in the care of the patient with aortic stenosis.