A New Benchmark for Modern Management of Valvular Heart Disease

Abstract

Valvular heart disease (VHD) is rapidly increasing in prevalence worldwide, affecting millions and significantly impacting global health care systems. Despite notable advancements in understanding VHD progression, perioperative management, imaging techniques, and transcatheter therapies over the past 2 decades, the condition has not received the attention it deserves from the public and policymakers. Many patients with VHD in low- and middle-income countries continue to experience low detection, intervention, and follow-up rates. Systematic care for elderly patients and those with severe comorbidities, as well as postoperative patients, remains insufficient, leading to higher mortality and morbidity rates. This review focuses on the deficiencies in VHD treatment within the Chinese health care system and discusses the modern management program, known as the whole-life cycle management system, that has been implemented to enhance the survival prognosis of VHD patients.