Methods: A total of 285 consecutive patients (age> 60 years) who had been admitted to the authors’ cardiology outpatient clinic was enrolled. Each patient underwent two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography. Serum levels of lipoprotein (a)(Lp (a)), homocysteine (Hcy), uric acid and C-reactive protein (CRP) were monitored and compared between patients with AVC and subjects with otherwise normal aortic valve morphology.

Results: AVC was detected in 112 patients. Compared to controls, patients with AVC were significantly older (73.0±7.4 versus 68.5±6.7 years; p< 0.0001) and, in addition to higher dyslipidemia, had significantly higher serum levels of Lp (a)(27.4 (range: 13.0-47.5) versus 19.9 (range: 10.7-36.1) mg/dl; p= 0.033) and CRP (6.7 (4.5-10.2) versus 5.6 (3.9-8.0) mg/l; p= 0.008). Serum Hcy and uric acid levels were similar between the groups. Multivariate analysis identified age and serum levels of Lp (a) or CRP as independent determinants of AVC.

Conclusion: AVC is common in elderly patients admitted to cardiology clinics. In addition to advanced age, high serum levels of Lp (a) and CRP are independent predictors of the condition.