Episode 1: We need to talk about AR – the untreated disease

Aortic regurgitation is a common disease that is underdiagnosed and undertreated. The disease is challenging to quantify by echo (TTE) and this can lead to an underestimation of the severity. Surgical aortic valve replacement is the standard of care, but rates of SAVR are unfortunately very low. Off-label TAVI for AR results in sub-optimal outcomes and complications. All of these factors contribute to undertreatment of the disease.



Learning Objectives:

• Awareness that AR is more prevalent and more dangerous than many people think and the disease is often underdiagnosed and undertreated.
• Understanding that AR is challenging to accurately assess and quantify and special consideration should be given when diagnosing and referring patients for treatment.
• To know the available options for patients with AR and to know confidently when and how patients should be treated.