Preface

Aortic stenosis is one of the most common valvular diseases in the elderly. The only effective treatment is surgery. Angina pectoris, syncope or near syncope, and heart failure are the three classic manifestations of severe aortic stenosis. Aortic valve replacement should be performed for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (class I), severe asymptomatic aortic stenosis with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (class I), and severe aortic stenosis undergoing valvular surgery (class I). There are five different class IIa indications for performing aortic valve surgery. Surgical aortic valve replacement or transcatheter aortic valve replacement may be performed in suitable patients.

Aortic Stenosis - Recent Advances, New Perspectives and Applications includes nine chapters written by experts in the field. Chapters 1–4 address diagnosis and Chapters 5–9 discuss treatment. This book is an important resource for all healthcare professionals taking care of patients with aortic stenosis.

I would like to thank the contributing authors for their excellent chapters. I would also like to thank Martina Ivancic at IntechOpen for her assistance in editing this book.

**Wilbert S. Aronow, MD, FACC, FAHA, FACP, FCCCP, FASPC, AGSF, FGSA** Department of Cardiology, Westchester Medical Center and New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA

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Section 1

Diganosis
