CLINICAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CALCIFIC AORTIC-VALVE DISEASE

Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of a ortic sclerosis and stenosis in the elderly and to identify clinical f actors associated with degenerative aortic valve disease. Background. Several lines of evidence suggest that degenerative aortic valve disea se is not an inevitable consequence of aging and may be associated wit h specific clinical factors. Methods. In 5,201 subjects greater than o r equal to 65 years of age enrolled in the Cardiovascular Health Study , the relation between aortic sclerosis or stenosis identified on echo cardiography and clinical risk factors for atherosclerosis was evaluat ed by using stepwise logistic regression analysis. Results. Aortic val ue sclerosis was present in 26% and aortic valve stenosis in 2% of the entire study cohort; in subjects greater than or equal to 75 years of age, sclerosis was present in 37% and stenosis in 2.6%. Independent c linical factors associated with degenerative aortic valve disease incl uded age (twofold increased risk for each 10-year increase in age), ma le gender (twofold excess risk), present smoking (35% increase in risk ) and a history of hypertension (20% increase in risk), Other signific ant factors included height and high lipoprotein(a) and low density li poprotein cholesterol levels. Conclusions. Clinical factors associated with aortic sclerosis and stenosis can be identified and are similar to risk factors for atherosclerosis. (C) 1997 by the American College of Cardiology.