Valvular heart disease (VHD) leads to a variety of common cardiovascular conditions that account for 10% to 20% of all cardiac surgical procedures in North America. Valvular heart disease occurs when any valve in the heart is damaged or is diseased.  The four valves are the tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve, mitral valve and aortic valve.  Recently, there is a noticeable increase in the incidence of heart valve disease (HVD) due to increasing aging in the population. This number will continue to increase due to the world’s increasing age. 

Heart valve disease can cause stenosis, regurgitation, atresia or a combination of both stenosis and regurgitation of any of the four valves.  The most affected valves in the heart are the aortic and mitral valves. A comprehensive history taking, assessment and appropriate diagnostic testing are essential for early identification, diagnosis, and treatment of valvular heart disease.  Cardiac nurses play a key role in the history taking and the assessment.  Untreated valvular heart disease can lead to heart failure, stroke, arrhythmia, blood clots, sudden cardiac arrest, and death. 

The purpose of this presentation is to review the different valvular conditions and to identify key history and assessment findings.  Assessment findings will include signs and symptoms, heart sounds, and complete cardiac and respiratory findings expected for each type of valvular dysfunction.  Comparisons between stenosis versus regurgitation will be discussed.  Treatment options will also be highlighted with clear nursing assessments and interventions. Overall, cardiac nurses are well situated for comprehensive teaching of patients and families to increase knowledge and understanding of their valvular condition.  Nurses are also able to teach patients early warning signs and provide them with appropriate interventions to decrease potential complications and harmful outcomes.