Comparison of calcific aortic valve disease and atherosclerosis
| Calcific aortic valve disease | Atherosclerosis | |
| Clinical | ||
| Increased prevalence with age | ++++ | ++++ |
| Association with clinical factors | ++++ | ++++ |
| Pathologic | ||
| Inflammatory cells | +++ | +++ |
| Lipid infiltration | +++ | +++ |
| Calcification | ++++ | ++ |
| Genetic factors | ?+ | +++ |
| Mechanism of clinical events | Leaflet stiffness | Plaque instability |