Managing Acute Cardiac Valvular Emergencies in the Emergency Department

Points & Pearls Excerpt

• Cardiac valvular disease is an important consideration on the differential diagnosis for complaints of chest discomfort, dyspnea, and syncope.
• Comorbid conditions include congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction.
• Aortic stenosis results from degeneration, calcification, or rheumatic heart disease.^4,5
• Aortic stenosis causes ventricular remodeling and subsequent mitral valve disease.
• Events due to aortic stenosis may present after exertion or while undergoing anesthesia.