The Silent Crisis of Aortic Valve Disease

A growing health concern affecting millions, particularly those over 65, often goes unnoticed until it reaches a critical stage.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Aortic stenosis, a gradual narrowing of the aortic valve that restricts blood flow from the heart, is a 'silent crisis' as symptoms are frequently dismissed as normal signs of aging. Fatigue, shortness of breath, and reduced stamina are easily rationalized, but ignoring these signs can be dangerous. The incidence of aortic stenosis rises sharply with age, affecting approximately 1% of those over 65, 3% over 75, and 10% over 85.

Why it matters

Aortic stenosis is the most common and serious valve issue in older adults, and if left untreated, it has survival rates comparable to some advanced cancers. However, this condition often goes undiagnosed until it reaches a critical stage, highlighting the need for increased awareness and proactive screening.

The details

The heart uses four valves to direct blood flow, and the aortic valve is crucial, opening to allow oxygen-rich blood to travel to the body and closing to prevent backflow. Disease or structural deficiencies can disrupt this process, leading to aortic stenosis. The narrowing of the valve happens incrementally, and the body often adapts, masking the severity of the problem for years.

  • Aortic stenosis affects approximately 1% of those over 65, 3% over 75, and 10% over 85.

The players

Nish Patel, M.D.

Interventional Cardiologist.

Ramon Quesada, M.D.

Interventional Cardiologist.

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What they’re saying

“With every single heartbeat, those valves are opening and closing. All that constant opening and closing, along with the high pressures of your heart's chambers, creates wear and tear on your valves. This creates calcium deposits, which can restrict the opening of the aortic valve and cause aortic stenosis.”

— Nish Patel, M.D., Interventional Cardiologist (newsy-today.com)

“TAVR allows us to treat patients who were once considered inoperable. By utilizing catheter-based techniques, we can repair the heart's structure with minimal trauma to the body. Patients who would have faced months of recovery are often home within days, feeling an immediate difference in their breathing and energy levels.”

— Ramon Quesada, M.D., Interventional Cardiologist (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The field of aortic stenosis treatment is rapidly evolving, with several key trends poised to shape the future of care, including early detection and screening, personalized medicine, advancements in TAVR technology, and the development of medical therapies to slow progression.

The takeaway

Aortic stenosis is a 'silent crisis' that often goes undiagnosed until it reaches a critical stage, highlighting the need for increased awareness and proactive screening. Effective treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach, and the continued advancements in minimally invasive procedures like TAVR are transforming the management of this condition.