Slowing the Progression of Aortic Stenosis: An Intriguing Possibility

Low bone-mineral density has been shown to be independently associated with the progression of aortic valve calcification. In a retrospective review of patients with mild or moderate aortic stenosis, investigators compared disease progression in 18 participants who were taking medications for osteoporosis (bisphosphonates, calcitonin, or estrogen receptor modulators) with disease progression in 37 who were not taking such medications. The two groups did not differ significantly in age, sex, renal function, prevalence of hypertension or diabetes, statin use, calcium level, or mean baseline aortic valve area (AVA).

During an average follow-up of 2 years, AVA decreased from baseline in both groups; however, the progression of aortic stenosis in…