Contribution of Hemodynamic Shear Stress Magnitude and Frequency Abnormalities to Calcific Aortic Valve Disease Pathogenesis

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is an active process presumably triggered by interplays between atherogenic risk factors, molecular signaling networks and hemodynamic cues. While our earlier work demonstrated that progressive alterations in fluid shear stress (FSS) on the fibrosa could trigger valvular inflammation [1], the mechanisms of CAVD pathogenesis secondary to side-specific FSS abnormalities are poorly understood. Supported by our previous studies, we hypothesize that valve leaflets are sensitive to both WSS magnitude and pulsatility and that abnormalities in either promote CAVD development. This study aims at elucidating ex vivo the contribution of isolated and combined alterations in FSS magnitude and pulsatility to valvular calcification.