Managing valvular disease - diagnosis and treatment update

General practitioners can face challenges in managing patients with valvular disease. Aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation are typically diseases of the ageing and these patients may present as potentially high risk or inoperable with earlier interventions available. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is now a widely adopted therapy for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis. Improved pre-procedural screening, increased operators' experience and technology advancement have made this technique highly reliable and standardised.

This video aims to present the approach and initial management of patients with common valvular disorders appropriate for primary care, identifying severity of disease, when to refer and the treatment options available for patients including those suitable for TAVI treatment. It includes specific case studies as practical and helpful examples of the treatment options for specific patients.

The presenters will also provide updates on:
• Assessment and investigations
• Severity of disease
• Management and treatment options

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the diagnostic options in general practice for identifying common valvular disorders.
2. Define common terms used in echocardiogram reports and how to quantify severity of valvular heart disease.
3. Outline management strategies for patients presenting with signs and symptoms of the most common valvular heart disorders.
4. Explain treatment options available for valvular disease where managed by specialist cardiologists in conjunction with the referring GP.

Provider Details
The Provider of this activity is Healthscope. Healthscope is an RACGP-accredited CPD Provider under the RACGP CPD Program.

Please give your feedback on the video, or questions that you have for the presenters, in the ‘Comments’ field below.