The role of statins in aortic stenosis. Myth or reality?

Our understanding of aortic valve disease has improved in the past decade from considering it a degenerative process to the realization that it is an active biologic disease. Aortic valve disease, although it has a similar atherosclerotic pathogenesis to vascular disease, differs in terms of bone calcification. Determining the appropriate timing of statin therapy to slow the progression of bone formation in these lesions is essential for the routine use of these drugs in such patients. Knowledge of the biology of valve lesions will play an important part in understanding this disease and future treatment options for these patients.