Who is a good candidate for TAVR?

TAVR is primarily indicated for elderly patients (typically over 70–75 years) or those with severe aortic stenosis who are considered high-risk or inoperable for traditional open-heart surgical valve replacement. Good candidates have symptomatic aortic stenosis (chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting) confirmed by echocardiography. Contraindications include active infections, severe renal failure, bleeding disorders, or anatomical limitations such as unsuitable femoral artery size or heavily calcified aortic root. A multidisciplinary heart team evaluates each patient’s overall health, frailty, and life expectancy before recommending TAVR.