Introduction on Calcific Aortic Valve Disease: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches
Progressive thickening of the aortic valve leaflets and narrowing of the aortic annulus leads to increased mechanical stress on the left ventricle and reduces cardiac output, resulting in further complications.1–3 The proportion of the population affected increases as the median age of a country or region rises. Approximately 2–4 % of people aged over 65 will develop calcific aortic stenosis, with 25 % of people in this age group presenting with signs of the disease, leading to a 50 % increased risk of cardiovascular related events. Furthermore, there is an associated risk of 80 % over 5 years of progression to heart failure, aortic valve replacement or death.4