Valvular disease

Valvular disorders such as regurgitation or stenosis can affect any of the four heart valves, although they are more likely to cause problems in the valves on the left side of the heart than the right, due to higher pressures on the left side. In many cases the symptoms of valvular disease take many years to develop and may be gradual in onset and severity. The patient can be managed medically but may eventually require valve replacement or repair. Over the past few years newer techniques have been developed for replacing or repairing valves. This chapter covers the causes, signs and symptoms, and management of valvular disorders.