Cardiovascular Autonomic Dysfunction and its association with Aortic Stenosis

Abstract

Aortic stenosis remains the most common valvular abnormality that requires intervention and is becoming more prevalent with an ageing population. Untreated symptomatic severe aortic stenosis is associated with a mortality of 50-60% within two years. Valve replacement either surgical or transcatheter remains the only effective treatment. The autonomic nervous system involuntarily controls many basic cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal and genitourinary functions and plays a central role in the regulation of heart rate and blood pressure. Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction has shown to be a marker of increased mortality. We discuss current methods to assess autonomic function, alongside abnormalities noted in common cardiac conditions and their correlation to mortality, and review current literature available that confirms severe aortic stenosis is associated with dysregulation of cardiovascular autonomic system.