Valvular Heart Disease Health Article

Treatment

The treatment of specific valvular heart diseases will vary, depending on the valve involved and the extent of damage or malfunction. Some patients will not require treatment and many will be treated with medication. Sometimes, patients need surgery. If multivalvular disease is suspected or involved, different valves may be evaluated during surgery on one of the affected valves.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with valvular heart disease varies depending on the underlying cause, age and health of the patient, and the degree of valvular damage or involvement.

Prevention

Certain measures can be taken to prevent some valvular disease. However, once valvular heart disease that results from congenital abnormality occurs, it may not be prevented. Steps can be taken to prevent further complications.

BOOKS

Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, 1996. 35th ed. Ed. Stephen McPhee, et al. Stamford: Appleton & Lange, 1995.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Heart Association. 7320 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75231. (214) 373-6300. <http://www.americanheart.org>.

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. P.O. Box 30105, Bethesda, MD 20824-0105. (301) 251-1222. <http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov>.

OTHER

Mayo Clinic Online. 5 Mar. 1998 <http://www.mayohealth.org>.

Teresa Norris, RN

KEY TERMS

Congenital—Used to describe a condition or defect present at birth.

Stenosis—An abnormal valve condition which is characterized by tightening or narrowing of the opening.

Streptococcal (Streptococcus)—Streptococcus is a bacterium that causes infection in people. Its most commonly known strain causes the infection strep throat.

Throat culture—A test for strep throat that involves swabbing the back of the throat and sending the swab to a laboratory, which will determine whether bacteria is present.