The incidence of heart disease ranges from 0.7% in 18–44 years age group up to 13.3% in individuals who are 75 years or older. Valvular heart disease has a considerable effect on the clinical outcome of any kind of surgical procedure involving general or regional anesthesia. The most commonly encountered cardiac valve lesions produce pressure overload (aortic stenosis) or volume load on the left atrium or left ventricle. Thus, the current article emphasizes on the anesthetic concerns in aortic stenosis.
Aortic stenosis (AS) may be congenital or acquired. Idiopathic senile degeneration with sclerosis and calcification of the valve due to chronic inflammation accounts for the majority of acquired segment of AS. Anesthetic management during the perioperative period is based on the likely effects of drug-induced changes in cardiac rhythm, heart rate, preload, afterload, myocardial…
