Angina pectoris in severe aortic stenosis

Abstract

We studied the value of angina pectoris as a predictor of significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in very elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). The study population consisted of patients with age at least 70 years who were referred for balloon aortic valvuloplasty (n = 90 patients). Routine coronary angiography was performed before the valvular intervention. Patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of angina pectoris. Of the patients with angina pectoris, 78% had obstructive (>50% diameter stenosis) CAD on coronary angiogram, while only 17% of patients without angina pectoris had obstructive CAD (p < 0.01). Angina pectoris had a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 82% for prediction of obstructive CAD. This suggests that in elderly patients with severe AS, the presence of angina pectoris is a strong determinant of CAD, and the absence of angina strongly suggests absence of obstructive CAD. In a very elderly population, appropriate decision-making with respect to AS management should not await diagnostic coronary angiography.