LOW-FLOW/LOW-GRADIENT AORTIC STENOSIS, A CHALLENGE FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Abstract

Aortic valve stenosis is the most common disease in the elderly population > 65 years of age in Western Europe and the USA. Mortality occurs within 3-5 years after the onset of symptoms in about 75% of patients if the obstruction is not corrected. Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the valve opening, making it difficult for blood to push from the left ventricle to the aorta during LV systole. In patients with aortic stenosis and reduced ejection fraction, it is difficult to determine the primary problem – true narrowing of the aortic valve or inability to open the valve due to low stroke volume. Patients with low-flow/low-gradient aortic stenosis (LF/LG AoS) represent a challenging group in terms of diagnosis, and their differentiation is important for the treatment and prognosis of the disease. The purpose of this article is to review the classification of the disease, present the latest evidence on the assessment of valvular disease and its therapeutic options.