PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - R Goel
AU  - P P Sengupta
AU  - F Mookadam
AU  - H P Chaliki
AU  - B K Khandheria
AU  - A J Tajik
TI  - Valvular regurgitation and stenosis: when is surgery required?
AID  - 10.1136/ha.2008.000315
DP  - 2009 Jan 01
TA  - Heart Asia
PG  - 20--25
VI  - 1
IP  - 1
4099  - http://heartasia.bmj.com/content/1/1/20.short
4100  - http://heartasia.bmj.com/content/1/1/20.full
SO  - Heart Asia2009 Jan 01; 1
AB  - Valvular heart disease is a growing public health problem, with an increasing prevalence due to an ageing population. Despite advances, the medical management of symptomatic valvular heart diseases remains suboptimal, necessitating surgical correction. The challenge remains in identifying an asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patient who will benefit from timely surgery before irreversible changes in cardiac function have occurred. The potential risks of surgery versus watchful expectancy require careful decision-making. This review is a focused update on the existing guidelines and identifies the knowledge gaps and avenues of future research in the management of patients with valvular heart diseases