Deciphering the Enigma of Calcific Aortic Valve Disease: The Pivotal Role of Animal Models in Unraveling Pathogenesis and Advancing Therapeutic Strategies

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a prevalent cardiovascular condition and is the most common heart valve disease globally. Hyperlipidemia and aging are key risk factors; consequently, with the aging global population, CAVD incidence continues to rise. Despite extensive research, the pathogenesis of CAVD remains unclear, leading to a lack of effective pharmacological therapies. Consequently, valve replacement surgery persists as the primary treatment option. Establishing suitable animal models is crucial for investigating the complex pathophysiological mechanisms of CAVD in vivo, although an optimal model has yet to be identified. This review provides a concise overview of CAVD pathogenesis and summarizes the application of common animal models—including mice, rats, rabbits, and pigs—in studying valve calcification. We specifically detail the construction of various models and their associated calcific aortic valve phenotypes. Furthermore, we outline common detection methods for assessing aortic valve calcification in these models and suggest future directions for developing improved animal models relevant to CAVD research.