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How to run a specialist valve clinic: the history, examination and exercise test

Echo Research & Practice volume 6, pages T23–T28 (2019)Cite this article

Abstract

Echocardiography is the key to the detection and initial assessment of valve disease. The examination helps differentiate severe from moderate disease if this is unclear from the echocardiogram, but is less useful than echocardiography for surveillance. However, the history is extremely important because symptoms are an indication for surgery in all types of valve disease. In aortic stenosis, the mortality rises soon after the onset of exertional breathlessness or chest tightness. Exercise testing is an extension of the history and may reveal symptoms in apparently asymptomatic patients. This article discusses the history, examination and exercise testing in patients either newly referred or under routine follow-up in a specialist valve clinic.

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Funding

This review did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cardiothoracic Centre, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals, London, UK

    John B Chambers MD FESC FACC

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  1. John B Chambers MD FESC FACC
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Correspondence to John B Chambers MD FESC FACC.

Additional information

This paper is part of a series on specialist valve clinics. The Guest Editors for this series were Richard P Steeds and John B Chambers. J B Chambers was not involved in the editorial or review process for this paper, on which he is listed as an author

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Chambers, J.B. How to run a specialist valve clinic: the history, examination and exercise test. Echo Res Pract 6, T23–T28 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1530/ERP-19-0003

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Echo Research & Practice

ISSN: 2055-0464

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