Valvular Heart Disease: Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with valvular heart disease varies depending on the underlying cause, age and health of the patient, and the degree of valvular damage or involvement.

Patients with rheumatic heart disease face a lifetime of caution over contact with the same bacterium that caused the disease. Since it can cause inflammation of one or more organs or joints, complications can occur. The inflammation of the heart may subside without side effects. Permanent scarring of one or more heart valves is a possibility and may require surgery to repair or replace damaged valves. In severe cases, rheumatic fever can lead to death from heart failure.

The prognosis for patients with infective endocarditis depends on the underlying heart disease and resulting complications. If the disease further damages heart valves, symptoms may occur for years after initial treatment. Sometimes, endocarditis can result in heart or renal failure. If untreated, it can be fatal.

As of early 1998, prognosis for patients with valvular heart disease resulting from the use of certain appetite suppressants was still under study. Since it is believed that different valves may be affected, treatment would most likely follow a similar course as that for the specific valvular disease.

— Teresa Norris, RN