title: The pathophysiological basis of pharmacological interventions in CAVD.
abstract: Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) results in aortic valve stenosis and is one of the most common cardiac diseases in both Western and developing countries. The burden of this disease is expected to increase rapidly in the future, but there are still no relevant pharmacological therapies available and aortic valve replacement remains the sole definite therapy. This review presents an overview of the most common causes of CAVD, followed by current debates and trials related to the onset and progression of this disease. Several differences and similarities between the different causes of CAVD are presented. Additionally, stages of CAVD are compared with stages in atherosclerosis. Finally, future directions for research on CAVD will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO BOX 85500, E03.511, 3508GA, Utrecht, the Netherlands, p.w.riemvis@umcutrecht.nl.
authors.forename: P W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Riem Vis
authors.forename: J-W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: van Rijswijk
authors.forename: S A J
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Chamuleau
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vink
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: van Herwerden
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kluin