Heart valve calcification

• This chapter focuses on the calcification of heart valves. The extent of valve calcification may vary from mild sclerosis with no effects on valve function to the development of leaflets calcification which causes valve dysfunction. It is well known that valve calcification is associated with conventional atherosclerosis risk factors. The valve calcification process can be classified into 2 phases: an early initiation phase dominated by valve tissue injury, lipid deposition, and inflammation, with many similarities to atherosclerosis and a later propagation phase where pro-calcific and pro-osteogenic factors drive disease progression. The best method for assessing the extent of valve calcification is cardiac CT applying the Agatston score which is used for assessing the coronary artery calcification. Echocardiography could assess valve calcification but in a semiquantitative way. Although observational studies showed a potential beneficial effect of statins on aortic stenosis severity, further randomised controlled trials and a meta analysis have failed to confirm these results. Recognition of valve calcification is clinically important as it has a strong predictive value of future clinical events.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kardiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Aortic calcification

Aortic sclerosis

Aortic sclerosis

Atherosclerosis

Cardiac calcification

Mitral calcification

Valve calcification

Valve disease

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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