ABSTRACT
Impact of aging on the presentation and evaluation AORTIC VALVE DISEASE Aortic sclerosis Defined as thickening without hemodynamic stenosis, aortic sclerosis is a common finding in the elderly. Population-based samples suggest a prevalence of 26% over the age of 65 and 48% in individuals older than 85 years. It is recognized incidentally on physical exam as a soft, systolic murmur or by 2D echocardiography. No symptoms should be attributed to this finding because it is functionally benign. However, it is clinically important as a marker for atherosclerosis and may progress to aortic stenosis (AS) (Stewart et al., 1997).
