Being diagnosed with a valvular heart disease can feel overwhelming, but currently there are many ways to manage this condition. Your doctor may suggest taking medications to help alleviate symptoms, or recommend procedures which repair or replace your heart valve.1 With the right treatment, you can manage your valvular heart disease and lead a fulfilling life.
Trust and talk to your medical team
We are all unique, so there isn't one treatment that works well for everyone. That's why it's important to have a conversation with your doctor about your treatment options. Your primary care physician and cardiologist are your frontline team. They will refer you to a heart team with a cardiac surgeon, who can discuss with you the best course of action. If surgery is recommended, the cardiac surgeon and a highly specialised team of nurses and anaesthesiologists will handle your care.
Please ask your team all the questions you have on your mind. Honest discussions with your Heart Team are crucial to choosing the right treatment for you.
Empower yourself with knowledge
- It can be stressful when you don’t know what’s going to happen so please ask questions to your medical team and get the answers you need
- It may be helpful to involve a caregiver, family member or friend to support you through the learning and decision-making process
The following pages provide you with all the essential information you need about your valvular heart disease and what to expect throughout your treatment.