Aortic stenosis in the elderly

Abstract

Gastrointestinal bleeding, atrioventricular conduction defects leading to complete heart block, calcific cerebral emboli, and bacterial endocarditis are manifestations of aortic stenosis, but are not as closely related to the extent of obstruction as are the cardinal symptoms of angina pectoris, syncope, and congestive heart failure. Aortic valve replacement, even with the attendant risks, offers a better opportunity for increased life expectancy and symptomatic improvement than does continued medical management.