A call to consider an aortic stenosis screening program

Abstract

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common age-related valvular condition with a prevalence of 13.1% in patients older than 75 years of age. Based on the severity of AS and symptoms, current guidelines recommend interval monitoring with transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). However, no guidelines exist regarding screening asymptomatic persons for AS. Prevalence of AS is comparable to conditions such as colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and abdominal aortic aneurysm where dedicated screening programs are offered resulting in reduction of overall morbidity and mortality. We review recent advancements in treatment options, and we propose an AS screening program for high-risk individuals without known history of AS including all persons over age 75 and persons aged 70 years and older with dialysis dependent end-stage renal disease (ESRD).