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A Patient Risk Assessment Screening Guide

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Patient Risk Assessment Screening Guide

Emerging evidence shows watchful waiting is no longer optimal

Even at Centers of Excellence, nearly 50% of patients with a Class I or potential Class IIa indication for AVR do not receive treatment for severe aortic stenosis (AS).

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the only definitive treatment for severe AS. Without it, patients face a high risk of stroke, heart failure, and death

Despite clear treatment pathways, disparities in care driven by geography, care setting, and provider type can leave patients vulnerable to underdiagnosis and undertreatment. Timely action is essential to prevent avoidable outcomes.

Severe AS symptom onset can be rapid and unpredictable

In a recent trial studying asymptomatic severe AS patients under clinical surveillance, it was shown that:

Approximately twenty six percent
required AVR within 6 months due to sudden symptom onset
Approximately forty percent
presented with advanced signs and symptoms at the time of AVR conversion
Stacked area chart showing cumulative incidence of conversion to aortic valve replacement (AVR) over 60 months Chart displaying clinical data

“Aortic stenosis is a deadly disease, and it really needs to be dealt with in an expeditious manner. When a patient has been delayed in their treatment, that becomes difficult to manage. [...] The options become very slim.”

Vinod Thourani, MD | Cardiovascular Surgeon
The Importance of Referring at the Right Time

Earlier intervention can be lifesaving—even for older or high-risk patients with severe AS

Valve replacement IS SHOWN TO:

  • Reduce the risk of hospitalization
  • Lower mortality rates

ONLY valve replacement can:

  • Significantly improve symptoms
  • Improve quality of life

ACC/AHA guidelines emphasize the importance of timely action in severe AS patients

  • Severe AS may present with a heart murmur, symptoms, or valvular abnormalities on noninvasive testing
  • Patients with severe valvular heart disease should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary Heart Valve Team when intervention is being considered

For a quick overview, download the ACC/AHA Guidelines One-Pager.

ACC/AHA Guideline One-Pager thumbnail
Severe Aortic Stenosis Can Strike Suddenly—and Fatally

Once aortic stenosis progresses to severe AS, the window for intervention narrows rapidly.

Dangers of Disease Progression
Icon of a warning symbol overlaid on top of a heart
Help Your Patients Learn the Facts

Jumpstart the conversation about heart valve disease today.

Download Patient Risk Assessment
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