The fact that elevated baseline EPO levels are associated with a worse mid-term prognosis in severe aortic stenosis is in line with findings from previous studies in patients with chronic (6) or decompensated heart failure (8); and this could suggest an overall association with heart conditions (i.e., ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy), not limited to aortic stenosis. The gene discussed is EPO; the disease is heart failure.