Hyderabad Cardiologist Warns of Rising Heart Valve Disease Burden Among Elderly

A senior cardiologist in Hyderabad has warned of a rising burden of aortic stenosis (AS) among elderly adults, as new 2025 data projects the patient population to more than double by 2050. Dr. A. Sreenivas Kumar, senior consultant cardiologist and director of cardiology and clinical research, highlighted that nearly five per cent of adults aged over 65 suffer from this serious heart valve disease, which can become life-threatening if left untreated.

The warning follows the release of the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update. Severe AS, caused by the narrowing and calcification of the aortic valve, forces the heart to work harder, eventually leading to heart failure. Patients commonly experience breathlessness, chest pain, and fainting, and without treatment, survival may be limited to two to three years after symptoms develop.

A global review published in 2025 found that AS affects two to three per cent of people over 65 worldwide. India faces a disproportionately higher burden due to rheumatic heart disease. A recent Asia-Pacific study reported the prevalence of rheumatic AS in India at 4.54 per 1,000 population, which is higher than the global average.

Dr. Kumar noted that age should no longer be a barrier to treatment. He highlighted advances in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive procedure performed through a catheter, which has significantly improved treatment options for elderly patients.

He cited a 2025 Journal of the American College of Cardiology study showing that patients undergoing TAVR had five-year survival and stroke outcomes comparable to surgical valve replacement, alongside excellent valve durability. Another 2025 New England Journal of Medicine study found that performing TAVR before symptoms appear reduced the combined risk of death, stroke, and unplanned hospitalisation.

Dr. Kumar advised people over 65 experiencing unexplained breathlessness, chest discomfort, or fainting to seek early cardiac evaluation. He stated that timely intervention can help patients live longer, healthier, and more independent lives.