Valvular Heart Disease: Be Prepared for the Next Epidemic.

Valvular heart disease (VHD) remains an underrecognized cause of morbidity and mortality, with many cases unappreciated, diagnosed late, or undertreated. Its prevalence increases with age, and as Canada's population continues to age, the burden on the healthcare system will inevitably escalate. In this article, we examine the current and future outlook of VHD in Canada and propose strategies to improve the healthcare system in preparation for the challenges ahead.