Established and emerging vascular risk factors and the development of aortic stenosis: an opportunity for prevention?
BACKGROUND
Aortic stenosis (AS) is the commonest valvular heart disease in the developed world. It is becoming increasingly accepted that the pathogenesis of AS and of its preceding abnormalities, aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) and aortic valve calcification (AVC), shares many characteristics with the atherosclerotic process.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the contribution of established and emerging vascular risk factors in the development of AS and to evaluate the potential of pharmacological intervention to modify the natural history of AS.


METHODS
We reviewed the epidemiological data that link AS and atherosclerosis and studies of vasculoprotective agents in patients with AS.


CONCLUSIONS
AS, AVS and AVC share many common risk factors with atherosclerosis and are possible markers of preclinical vascular disease. Statins appear to delay the progression of AS. However, more studies are needed before introducing such pharmacologic treatment for AS. The future may point towards targeted prevention of AS.
Tziomalos
Konstantinos
K
University College London, Royal Free University College Medical School, Royal Free Hospital, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Pond Street, London NW3 2QG, UK.
Athyros
Vasilios G
VG
Karagiannis
Asterios
A
Mikhailidis
Dimitri P
DP
D000818:Animals; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012307:Risk Factors
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors