RHD contributed most to the burden of VHD in the present study with calcific degeneration, myxomatous disease and BAV being the other major forms of VHD. Multiple valves were affected in more than a third of all cases.

In selected patients of mitral stenosis with LA thrombus (type Ia, Ib, and IIa), BMV can be performed safely with the modified over the wire technique. Systemic thromboembolism, technical failures and other complications are very rare when performed by experienced operators.

The overall prevalence of CAD among patients undergoing non-coronary cardiac surgery is 8.7%. Coronary artery disease is relatively uncommon in patients with rheumatic VHD (4.9%), while its prevalence is highest in DAVD (23.4%).

No abstract

Baseline and changing patterns of NT-proBNP predicted adverse outcomes on follow-up suggesting that a strategy of serial measurement of NT-proBNP could prove invaluable in early risk stratification. Further research is needed to understand the link between inflammation, myocyte injury and oxidative stress in AHF which could provide potential therapeutic targets.