Aortic Stenosis in Elderly : Determinant of Progression

Aortic stenosis (AS) is AS is caused by calcium deposits in the aortic valve. Calcification is progressive and eventually leads to reduced leaflet motion with obstruction of the left ventricular outflow. The only treatment is surgery. There are evidences that AS is a regulated process with similarities to atherosclerosis but determinants of AS progression are unknown. The study aims at evaluating these determinants and more specifically the role of lipids, inflammation and platelet aggregation.