Valvular Aortic Stenosis: An Update

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a narrowing of the aortic valve opening that restricts normal blood flow to the entire body. It is estimated to be prevalent in up to 7% of the population over the age of 65 [1]. It is also more likely to affect men than women as 80% of adults with symptomatic aortic stenosis are male [1]. After the onset of symptoms, patients with severe aortic stenosis have a survival rate as low as 50% at 2 years and 20% at 5 years without aortic valve replacement [1].