Management of Valvular Heart Disease in Adults

New guidelines emphasize stages of disease progression and guideline-directed medical therapy and include clinically relevant decision-pathway algorithms.

Sponsoring Organization: American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association

Target Population: Primary care providers, cardiologists

Background and Objective

In 2013, the estimated prevalence of valvular heart disease (VHD) in the U.S. was 2.5% overall and as high as 12%–13% in adults aged ≥75. These new guidelines for the management of VHD in adults are based on evidence or expert consensus and replace the previous guidelines (fully revised in 2006 and updated in 2008).

Key Points

—A new classification paradigm applies to the stages of VHD progression:

A = at risk
B = progressive (mild to moderate and asymptomatic)
C = asymptomatic and severe
D = symptomatic and severe

Stage C is subdivided into compensated (C1) or decompensated (C2) left or…

Reviewing Author

Howard C. Herrmann, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAffluent Medical; Artedrone; Caranx; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic; Prolifagen; Wells Fargo

EquityMicrointerventional Devices, Inc.

RoyaltiesUniversity of Pennsylvania

Grant/Research SupportAbbott Vascular; Edwards Lifesciences; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic

Editorial BoardsCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions; Journal of the American College of Cardiology; Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Case Reports; JSCAI

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHeart Valve Collaboratory (Scientific Committee Member, Chair of the Publications Committee)