Arterial hypertension and aortic valve stenosis: Shedding light on a common “liaison”

Abstract

Arterial hypertension and aortic valve stenosis are common disorders and frequently present as concomitant diseases, especially in elderly patients. The impact of hypertension on heart haemodynamics is substantial, thus affecting the clinical presentation of any coexisting valvulopathy, especially of aortic stenosis. However, the interaction between these 2 entities is not thoroughly discussed in the European or/and American guidelines on the management of hypertension or/and valvular heart disease. The present review summarizes all available evidence on the potential interplay between hypertension and aortic valve stenosis, aiming to help physicians understand the pathophysiology and select the best diagnostic and therapeutic strategies (medical or/and interventional) for better management of these high-risk patients, taking into account the impact on outcome as well as the risk-benefit-ratio.

Keywords

• Arterial hypertension
• High blood pressure
• Aortic valve stenosis