Aortic stenosis prevention


 * Associate Editor-In-Chief: Mohammed A. Sbeih, M.D. [mailto:msbeih@perfuse.org]

Overview
Aortic stenosis associated with rheumatic heart disease can be minimized with antibiotic therapy in patients with documented streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat). Bicuspid aortic valve disease is a congenital variant and cannot be prevented. Calcific degeneration of the valve can potentially be minimized by rosouvistatin and other measures targeting atherosclerosis prevention.

Prevention
Early antibiotic treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis prevents rheumatic fever and the development of aortic stenosis later in life. The incidence of rheumatic fever decreased before introduction of antibiotics, suggesting that other factors are involved as well.