Aortic valve disease

Aortic valve disease is increasingly common. Aortic stenosis and insufficiency are reviewed in this article. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and evaluation of each disorder is discussed. Additionally, the management, including medical therapy and the timing of surgery, is reviewed. History, exam, and echocardiographic features of each disorder are described, as is appropriate decision making based on those findings. Selected literature is discussed. There is a specific focus on providing a stepwise approach to the evaluation and management of patients with aortic stenosis or aortic insufficiency.