Diagnosis and management of patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis

Abstract

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a disease that progresses slowly for years without symptoms, so patients need to be carefully managed with appropriate follow up and referred for aortic valve replacement in a timely manner. Development of symptoms is a clear indication for aortic valve intervention in patients with severe AS. The decision for early surgery in patients with asymptomatic severe AS is more complex. In this review, we discuss how to identify high-risk patients with asymptomatic severe AS who may benefit from early surgery.

Keywords: Aortic stenosis; Asymptomatic; Diagnosis; Management; Treatment

Core tip: We focused on how to identify high-risk patients in asymptomatic aortic stenosis. Revised American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines and diagnostic testing for appropriate clinical decision making are discussed in this article.