Recognition and management of aortic stenosis in the elderly

Angina pectoris, syncope or near-syncope, and congestive heart failure (CHF) are the 3 cardinal manifestations of aortic stenosis (AS) in the elderly. Prolonged duration and late peaking of the aortic systolic ejection murmur best differentiate severe from mild AS. The agreement in quantitation of AS severity between Doppler echocardiography and cardiac catheterization is approximately 95%. The average survival is 3 years after the onset of angina pectoris or syncope and 1.5 to 2 years after the onset of CHF in patients with severe AS who does not undergo surgery. Indications for aortic valve replacement (AVR), for use of warfarin after AVR in patients with mechanical prostheses, and for use of aspirin or warfarin after AVR in patients with bioprostheses are listed in the article.