Key result
Early surgical intervention for severe valvular heart disease should be considered in asymptomatic patients when benefits outweigh operative risks, particularly in highly-qualified centers.
Why the study?
Does early surgical intervention improve outcomes compared to watchful waiting in asymptomatic patients with moderate or severe valvular heart disease?
Does early surgical intervention improve outcomes compared to watchful waiting in asymptomatic patients with moderate or severe valvular heart disease?
This review discusses the indications for early surgery versus watchful waiting in asymptomatic patients with valvular heart disease based on current American and European guidelines.
Requires careful risk-benefit assessment before early surgery in asymptomatic severe VHD; leaves open randomized evidence to strengthen recommendations.
The burden of valvular heart disease (VHD) is increasing with age, and the elderly patients with moderate or severe VHD are notably common. When to operate in asymptomatic patients with VHD remains controversial. The controversy is whether early surgical intervention should be preferred, or a watchful waiting approach should be followed. The beneficial effects of early surgery should be balanced against operative mortality and long-term results. Indications of early surgery in each of the VHD will be discussed in this review on the basis of the latest American and European guidelines.
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Kim et al. (2018) conducted a review in Valvular Heart Disease. Early Surgery vs. Watchful waiting / Conservative treatment was evaluated. Early surgical intervention for severe valvular heart disease should be considered in asymptomatic patients when benefits outweigh operative risks, particularly in highly-qualified centers.
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