“…5,[21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29] Since mortality rates are low for isolated surgical AVR (SAVR) and transcatheter AVR (TAVR), earlier intervention has been increasingly advocated. 14,15,[30][31][32] For asymptomatic patients, in particular, biomarkers may identify a subgroup of patients who would benefit from earlier valve replacement. Echocardiographic criteria of AS severity, based on anatomical and Doppler indices, have well-known limitations and can incorrectly classify as "moderate" AS patients with a more malignant AS phenotype who are at an increased risk of adverse events or rapid clinical AS progression.…”