Left ventricular diastolic function in valvular aortic stenosis after aortic valve replacement

Abstract

In adults with significant sympthomatic aortic valve stenosis, aortic valve replacement is therapy of choice. Replacement of the diseased aortic valve with a prosthetic valve yields relief of left ventricular outflow obstruction. Myocardial remodeling with regression of mass transpires as the heart adapts to the new level of after load. In patients with moderate left ventricular hypertrophy improvement in diastolic function during the first year after aortic valve replacement is visible, while in patients with extreme myocardial hypertrophic changes it was slower.