Aortic stenosis: What long-term care providers need to know

Aortic stenosis (AS) can be congenital or degenerative, with the latter resulting from calcification of the aortic valve over time. Degenerative calcific AS is the most common form of AS among older adults in the United States. As the population continues to age, AS will be encountered more frequently in the long-term care (LTC) setting. Patients may or may not have symptoms, but once symptoms manifest, AS has poor outcomes when left untreated. This review article summarizes the presentation and diagnosis of AS and outlines current management options, including medical therapy, surgical aortic valve replacement, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement. It also describes the outcomes of these therapies from an LTC perspective.

Duke Scholars

Author Karen Patton Alexander Medicine, Cardiology