This study is aimed to investigate the global transcriptome in order to determine the expression profile of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), as well as long noncoding- (lncRNAs) and micro noncoding-RNAs (miRNAs) in heart failure (HF) and in aortic stenosis (AS). The aim is to clarify their role in cardiac disease pathogenesis, as well as their potential as biomarkers. To this purpose, both tissue and blood specimens will be collected and patients will be compared to individuals not affected by cardiovascular diseases.