A national study of U.S. patients with moderate or severe aortic stenosis (AS) found that diagnosis is occurring earlier, but significant delays remain before patients undergo aortic valve replacement (AVR). The research, based on a care quality registry, highlights ongoing disparities in treatment access.
According to the study, patients initially flagged with moderate or severe AS via echocardiography are being identified sooner than in previous years. However, the time from diagnosis to AVR—whether surgical or transcatheter—has not shortened uniformly. Women and Black patients experienced longer delays compared to white men, even after adjusting for clinical factors.
Dr. [Name], lead author of the study, stated: 'While we are making progress in early detection, the journey from diagnosis to treatment remains fraught with obstacles for many patients.' The findings underscore the need for streamlined referral pathways and better patient education to ensure timely intervention.
The study did not provide specific national statistics on delay times, but emphasized that structural and social barriers contribute to the problem. Researchers call for targeted efforts to reduce inequities in cardiovascular care.
