Progression of aortic stenosis in elderly patients over long-term follow up

Abstract

Background: The natural history of aortic stenosis (AS) in elderly patients remains poorly defined. In an elderly cohort over long-term follow-up, we assessed: 1) rates and predictors of hemodynamic progression and 2) composite aortic valve replacement (AVR) or death endpoint. Methods: Consecutive Department of Veterans' Affairs patients with AS (> 60 years) were prospectively enrolled between 1988 and 1994 (n = 239) and followed until 2008. Patients with ≥ 2 trans-thoracic echocardiograms > 6 months apart were included in the progression analysis (n = 147). Baseline demographics, comorbidities and echocardiography parameters were recorded. Follow-up was censored at AVR/death. Results: The a..