Valve Heart Disease

First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

  • What type of lesion is it? The pathophysiology and natural history of valvular heart disease is primarily determined by the type of loading condition of pressure overload vs. volume overload.
  • Consider the consequences of a valve lesion on following determinants of myocardial performance:
    • Ventricular compliance and preload
    • Heart rate and rhythm
    • Afterload
    • LV and RV systolic function
  • Myocardial oxygen consumption for mechanical work is greater for pressure work ( isovolumic contraction) than volume work (ejection).

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Last updated: May 16, 2010