Aortic Stenosis Burden Growing Among The Elderly
Dr A. Sreenivas Kumar, senior consultant cardiologist and director of cardiology and clinical research, said severe AS, caused by narrowing and calcification of the aortic valve, forces the heart to work harder, eventually leading to heart failure.
HYDERABAD: Nearly five per cent of adults aged over 65 suffer from aortic stenosis (AS), a serious heart valve disease that can become life-threatening if untreated, according to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update. Experts warn that with an ageing population, the number of patients is expected to more than double by 2050, making early diagnosis and timely intervention crucial.
Dr A. Sreenivas Kumar, senior consultant cardiologist and director of cardiology and clinical research, said severe AS, caused by narrowing and calcification of the aortic valve, forces the heart to work harder, eventually leading to heart failure. Patients commonly experience breathlessness, chest pain and fainting, and without treatment survival may be limited to two to three years after symptoms develop.
A global review published in 2025 found that AS affects 2–3 per cent of people over 65 worldwide, while India faces an additional burden due to rheumatic heart disease. A recent Asia-Pacific study reported the prevalence of rheumatic AS in India at 4.54 per 1,000 population, higher than the global average.
Dr Kumar said age should no longer be a barrier to treatment. Advances in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive procedure performed through a catheter, have significantly improved options for elderly patients.
He cited a 2025 Journal of the American College of Cardiology study showing that patients undergoing TAVR had five-year survival and stroke outcomes comparable to surgical valve replacement, with excellent valve durability. Another 2025 New England Journal of Medicine study found that performing TAVR before symptoms appear reduced the combined risk of death, stroke and unplanned hospitalisation.
Dr Kumar advised people over 65 experiencing unexplained breathlessness, chest discomfort or fainting to seek early cardiac evaluation, saying timely intervention can help patients live longer, healthier and more independent lives.
