when to think of valve disease

Last reviewed 01/2018

Valve disease should be thought of under conditions of:

  • chronic heart failure, especially in the elderly - a syndrome for which a cause should be found
  • acute pulmonary oedema - by definition the valve lesion must be severe
  • stroke or systemic embolism - a syndrome for which a cause should be found
  • unexplained fever - may be caused by endocarditis