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Cardiology With M. Andrew Morse, MD, FSCAI

Cardiology

Dr. Morse is currently the chief of interventional cardiology and director of valvular and structural heart disease at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West in Nashville, Tennessee. He completed his training at Emory and Northwestern Universities, is active in medical device research, and is a member of several national trial steering committees.

Aortic Stenosis: Shift Toward Broader Evaluation

Dear readers,

The assessment of aortic stenosis (AS) has traditionally been centered on measuring the narrowing of the aortic valve through cardiovascular imaging. However, recent data suggests a shift toward a broader evaluation that includes the severity of the valve stenosis and the condition of adjacent cardiac structures. Key indicators of the heart’s maladaptation to AS encompass myocardial fibrosis, left ventricular hypertrophy, complications with the mitral valve, atrial fibrillation, and pulmonary hypertension.

The criteria for determining suitability for aortic valve replacement—both transcatheter and surgical—are evolving to incorporate these indicators into clinical decision-making. This holistic approach is gaining importance, particularly as research extends into cases of moderate and asymptomatic AS. The forthcoming outcomes of the PROGRESS and EARLY TAVR Trials are expected to provide valuable insights into these clinical challenges.

Thank you,
Andrew Morse, MD, FSCAI

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