Cardiac Damage in Early Aortic Stenosis: Is the Valve to Blame? - JIMG September 2024-Article: Cardiac Damage in Early Aortic Stenosis: Is the Valve to Blame?

Article: Cardiac Damage in Early Aortic Stenosis: Is the Valve to Blame?

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The study "Cardiac Damage in Early Aortic Stenosis: Is the Valve to Blame?" examines the prevalence and factors associated with cardiac damage (CD) in patients with mild aortic stenosis (AS). The research, conducted at the Mayo Clinic, analyzed data retrospectively from 9,611 patients diagnosed with mild AS between 2010 and 2021. <br /><br />The study found that CD is common even in early AS stages, with only 20% of patients showing no signs of it. There were various levels of CD, with 50% in stage 2 and about 13% in more advanced stages (3 and 4). Interestingly, the severity of AS and valvular hemodynamic status did not correlate with CD degree within the mild AS range. Instead, the presence and extent of CD were closely linked to comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and ischemic heart disease. These other health issues appear to have a significant impact on the occurrence and progression of CD.<br /><br />The study concludes that CD is not only prevalent in mild AS but is also highly related to comorbid conditions rather than the severity of AS itself. Importantly, higher CD stages were associated with increased mortality, highlighting the prognostic significance of understanding and documenting CD in patients with AS.<br /><br />Therefore, while evaluating patients with mild AS, healthcare providers should consider the role of comorbidities in contributing to CD alongside monitoring valvular conditions. The findings suggest a need for future research into whether addressing these comorbidities can mitigate CD's progression and related mortality outcomes in the early stages of AS.

Keywords

cardiac damage

aortic stenosis

Mayo Clinic

comorbidities

hypertension

diabetes

ischemic heart disease

mortality

valvular hemodynamics

retrospective study