ABSTRACT
Drug therapy plays a key role in the management of valvular heart disease, though in many cases it does not alter its course or delay the need for surgery. The importance of drug therapy lies in stabilizing the patient’s condition when the disease is due to abnormal valve structure, and in treating the underlying condition when the condition is due to a functional abnormality. Drug therapy also lowers the risk of bacterial endocarditis and rheumatic fever.
Footnotes
↵* This author has indicated that he has a relationship which, in the context of this article, could be perceived as a potential conflict of interest; ie, he has received grant support from Pfizer Inc, serves as a consultant for American Home Products, and is on the speakers bureau of Merck Inc.
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