What are the indications for aortic valve replacement?

Aortic valve area less than 1 cm AND:

1. Symptoms (heart failure, angina, syncope) OR
2. NO symptoms but left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%

Life expectancy of patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis who do not undergo valve replacement is 2 - 3 years.


Source

Grimard, B. and Larson, J.  "Aortic Stenosis: Diagnosis and Treatment"  American Family Physician.  15 September 2008.