What does aortic valve calcification mean?

Aortic valve calcification is the presence of calcium salt deposits at the edge of the aortic valve and is etiologically due to aortic stenosis, rheumatic valve disease, bivalve malformation, and atherosclerosis. Most types of aortic valve calcification do not require specific management, and approximately 1 in 5 patients over 60 years of age will develop aortic valve calcification, primarily due to age-related valve degeneration. However, calcification due to severe aortic stenosis and rheumatic valve disease with severe hemodynamic abnormalities will require surgical treatment. Patients with aortic valve calcification should first seek out the cause of the disease and undergo etiologic treatment.