RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Valvular regurgitation and stenosis: when is surgery required?
JF Heart Asia
JO Heart Asia
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd, British Cardiovascular Society and Asia Pacific Heart Association
SP 20
OP 25
DO 10.1136/ha.2008.000315
VO 1
IS 1
A1 R Goel
A1 P P Sengupta
A1 F Mookadam
A1 H P Chaliki
A1 B K Khandheria
A1 A J Tajik
YR 2009
UL http://heartasia.bmj.com/content/1/1/20.abstract
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