Abstract: . . .  IVTH YEAR P.J. COMMERFORD - 2004 TREATMENT OF VALVULAR HEART DISEASE AIMS OF TREATMENT: The aims of treatment of patients with valvular heart disease are:- l. To relieve unpleasant symptoms so that patients may lead a comfortable, . . .
. . .  very well for many years. Asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis should be advised to avoid jogging, competitive sports and vigorous athletics because of the risk of sudden death. Once symptoms develop, few patients survive longer than five years. Asymptomatic patients with aortic stenosis should be followed carefully at six monthly intervals and referred for aortic valve replacement once any of the symptoms of angina, dyspnoea or syncope develop. There is no place for medical treatment . . .
. . .  replacement in the patient with M.S. and may be recommended for relatively mild symptoms which are not severe enough to warrant the risks of mitral valve replacement. Page 4 Treatment of Valvular Heart Disease - P J Commerford 2004 4 In many parts of the world this procedure has been replaced by: Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty - this procedure provides an exciting option for the treatment of patients with mobile mitral stenosis. It is performed . . .
. . .  in the patient with M.S. and may be recommended for relatively mild symptoms which are not severe enough to warrant the risks of mitral valve replacement. Page 4 Treatment of Valvular Heart Disease - P J Commerford 2004 4 In many parts of the world this procedure has been replaced by: Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty - this procedure provides an exciting option for the treatment of patients with mobile mitral stenosis. It is performed at the time . . .
. . .  impairment of systolic function. In acute mitral regurgitation (Infective endocarditis, papillary muscle rupture) where the left ventricle ejects into a small non-compliant left atrium, urgent mitral valve replacement is indicated. MEDICAL TREATMENT ANTICOAGULATION Patients with mitral stenosis are at risk of systemic emboli. Once a patient has suffered an episode of systemic embolisation, then lifelong anticoagulation with warfarin is indicated. The risk of embolisation is higher . . .
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