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Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most prevalent valvular heart disease in Western countries.
- CAVD is linked to significant morbidity and mortality.
- The disease is driven by endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, dysregulated mineral metabolism, and cellular aging.
- Progressive fibrotic remodeling and calcification of the valve leaflets occur through both dystrophic and osteogenic processes.
- Pharmacological strategies examined include lipid-lowering agents, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, bone resorption inhibitors, vitamin K supplementation, and nitric oxide pathway modulators.
- Current treatments have not shown consistent efficacy in modifying disease progression in randomized trials.
- Cellular senescence may serve as a potential therapeutic target, with preclinical studies indicating that removing senescent cells could reduce calcification.
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