Medical treatment of valvular heart disease.
Despite recent advances in operative and percutaneous surgical techniques for valvular heart disease, medical management of complications of valvular disease, such as atrial fibrillation and infection, and prevention of thromboembolism remain important clinical problems.  This review discusses recent data that address the role of vasodilator therapy in valvular regurgitation, the management of severe, asymptomatic aortic stenosis, and studies pertinent to the treatment of complications of valvular heart disease.  Although vasodilators are promising agents, their efficacy in delaying the need for valve replacment remains unproven.
Hoit
B D
BD
University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Ohio.
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004452:Echocardiography; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use