Aortic valve disease [aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic regurgitation (AR)] represents an important global health problem. The data on the exact prevalence of AS and AR in the general population are lacking, but studies performed in Western populations estimate that 3% to 4% of the adult population suffers from moderate or severe aortic valve disease. The prevalence of AS and AR increases with age; it is estimated that 1% of persons aged < 55 years and 6% of persons aged > 75 years suffer from moderate or severe AS/AR