Calcific Aortic Stenosis in the Elderly: A Brief Overview
Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular lesion in patients above the age of 65. The etiology, presentation, and management of aortic stenosis differs in the elderly compared to younger patients in many ways. Many of the classic physical findings are absent in the elderly, making the diagnosis of critical aortic stenosis more difficult. Due to coexisting morbidity in many elderly patients, there is often a reluctance to recommend aortic valve replacement despite the dismal prognosis of medical therapy. In the following review, the authors discuss the pathophysiology, presentation, and management of aortic stenosis in the elderly.

Aortic valve stenosis is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Its prevalence is estimated at 2%-6% of unselected elderly patients. In many ways the etiology, presentation, and management of aortic stenosis differs in the elderly compared to younger patients. As our population ages, we can expect to be more often faced with difficult management decisions regarding medication use, and questions about the utility and timing of surgery for this condition. Herein we shall review the pathophysiology, presentation, and management of aortic stenosis in the elderly.