The Effect of Shear Stress Magnitude on Aortic Valve Inflammation

The aortic valve is one of the four valves of the heart, responsible for the unidirectional flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta. The most common aortic valve disease, calcific aortic stenosis, is characterized by the narrowing of the valve due to the presence of calcified nodules on the valvular leaflets and is present in 8% of the population above 65 years of age. The processes by which calcification occurs are poorly understood. Blood exerts a combination of forces on the valve leaflets, which are believed to have a significant effect on valvular disease progression. This study investigates the role played by blood flow dynamics and prospective mechanosensitive molecules in the development of aortic valve disease. These insights may aid in development of pharmacological management of valvular disease.