Timely intervention in asymptomatic aortic stenosis. Emerging clinical parameters may help predict outcomes.
In determining the optimal time to intervene in asymptomatic patients with aortic stenosis, physicians need to take into account the clinical course of the disease, the risks of surgical intervention, and the long-term consequences of prosthetic valves. In this article, Dr Park reviews the pathology of aortic stenosis, methods of diagnosis, and predictors to help identify patients who may benefit from early surgical intervention.
Park
M H
MH
Cardiac Transplant Service, Pulmonary Hypertension Program, Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA. mpark@ochsner.org
D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination; D016896:Treatment Outcome