Aortic stenosis (AS) is a commonly encountered
cardiac valve lesion in the U.S. Acquired AS is due
to idiopathic senile degeneration with sclerosis and
calcification of the valve. There is a clear association
between clinical risk factors for atherosclerotic
disease and the development of AS, including the
process of chronic inflammation.4
An increased
incidence with aging occurs due to greater
mechanical stress over time and longer exposure to
risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, diabetes,
and hypercholesterolemia. Aortic stenosis is now
seen in 2%-4% of adults greater than 65 years of age,
and this prevalence is expected to increase.4