BACKGROUND Restrictive valvular heart disease has been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease treated with pergolide. However, few data are available on frequency, severity, dose dependency, and reversibility of pergolide-induced disease, nor on the pulmonary pressures of these patients. We aimed to clarify these characteristics in a large group of patients. METHODS 78 patients with Pa...

Prosthetic valves have revolutionized the way we treat patients with valvular disease. Before the advent of these valves patient’s options were limited and morbidity and mortality high. In the early 1960’s valve replacement surgery was introduced which dramatically changed the management of these patients. Prosthetic valve technology continues to evolve and surgeons have multiple options to off...

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are two to four times as likely to have cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to the general population, when adjusted for traditional CVD risk factors [1]. CVD is the leading cause of death in these patients, with vascular and valvular calcification being an integral part of its pathophysiology. Calcium phosphate crystals are deposited through a multi...

With the introduction of the target-specific oral anticoagulants (TSOAs), primary and secondary stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) has been revolutionized. Large randomized clinical trials and subsequent meta-analyses have clearly demonstrated that these agents have at least comparable if not superior efficacy and cause no more or even less major bleeding than vitamin K antagonists. ...

Valvular heart disease in young women is most commonly due to rheumatic heart disease, congenital abnormalities, or previous endocarditis and may increase the maternal and fetal risks associated with pregnancy. The likelihood of an adverse outcome is related to the type and severity of maternal valvular disease and the resulting abnormalities of functional capacity, left ventricular function, a...

Valvular heart disease in young women is most commonly due to rheumatic heart disease, congenital abnormalities, or previous endocarditis and may increase the maternal and fetal risks associated with pregnancy. The likelihood of an adverse outcome is related to the type and severity of maternal valvular disease and the resulting abnormalities of functional capacity, left ventricular function, a...

The introduction of devices for transcatheter aortic valve implantation, mitral repair, and closure of prosthetic paravalvular leaks has led to a greatly expanded armamentarium of catheter-based approaches to patients with regurgitant as well as stenotic valvular disease. Echocardiography plays an essential role in identifying patients suitable for these interventions and in providing intra-pro...

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is characterized by diastolic reflux of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle (LV). Acute AR typically causes severe pulmonary edema and hypotension and is a surgical emergency. Chronic severe AR causes combined LV volume and pressure overload. It is accompanied by systolic hypertension and wide pulse pressure, which account for peripheral physical findings, suc...

Valvular heart disease may be a pre-existing complication of pregnancy or it may be diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. Accurate diagnosis, tailored therapy and an understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of pregnancy are necessary components of management, best achieved through the use of multidisciplinary clinics. This review outlines the management of specific lesions, ...

Background: A thorough understanding of the Rheumatic Heart disease is important to aid in the management of patients with RHD. We hereby thus study various presentations, distributions, clinical profile of various types of valvular involvement in patients with RHD, complications of RHD such as heart failure, arrhythmias, chamber dilation, thromboembolic manifestation, pulmonary hypertension et...