MANY PATIENTS ARE NOT CONSISTENTLY REFERRED—AND THE CONSEQUENCES CAN BE SIGNIFICANT1-4

A recent study revealed that

Graphic visualizing a total of 43% of patients with a likely indication for AVR were not referred to a valve specialist and did not receive AVR

of patients with a likely indication for AVR were not referred to a valve specialist and did not receive AVR1

Looking for the latest updates on the 2020 ACC/AHA Guidelines? Take a look at some highlights.

The guidelines highlight the importance of shared decision-making

"For patients with VHD for whom intervention is contemplated, individual risks should be calculated for specific surgical and/or transcatheter procedures, using online tools when available, and discussed before the procedure as a part of a shared decision-making process"5

– The 2020 ACC/AHA Guidelines

Icon of two hands holding up a heart emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the Heart Valve Team and primary cardiologists

Engagement between the Heart Valve Team and the primary cardiologist is of critical importance5


Icon of 3 people representing HCPs in a multidisciplinary heart valve team

Patients with severe aortic stenosis (SAS), also known as heart valve failure, should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary Heart Valve Team when intervention is considered5


Icon of a heart representing ACC/AHA guidelines for AVR

AVR is recommended for patients with symptomatic SAS aged 65-805

Additionally, there is a class I recommendation for AVR in SAS and exertional symptoms, or with reduced LVEF, or if undergoing other cardiac surgery5

Referring to a Heart Valve Team and engaging in shared decision-making does not result in delayed treatment—it ensures your patients' individual needs are thoroughly considered.2,6,7

Peer Perspectives:

Doctor and patient conversations—partnering with a Heart Valve Team sooner

“For me, I want my heart valve failure patients to get to the heart [valve] team as soon as possible.”

-
JaNaé Richard, MD
General Cardiologist

“Collaboration is definitely the key when you have multiple providers and specialties involved in the continuity of the care of the patient.”

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Danielle Kelley, APRN, FNP-BC
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PCNP)

ENGAGE WITH A HEART VALVE TEAM SOONER

Prompt referral to a Heart Valve Team is critical to better patient outcomes.2

References: 1.Flannery L, Etiwy M, Camacho A, et al. Patient- and process-related contributors to the underuse of aortic valve replacement and subsequent mortality in ambulatory patients with severe aortic stenosis. J Am Heart Assoc. 2022;11(11):e025065. 2.Lancellotti P, Magne J, Dulgheru R, et al. Outcomes of patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis followed up in heart valve clinics. JAMA Cardiol. 2018;3(11):1060-1068. 3.Redfors B, Pibarot P, Gillam LD, et al. Stress testing in asymptomatic aortic stenosis. Circulation. 2017;135(20):1956-1976. 4.Otto CM. Mind the gap: missed valve disease diagnosis. Heart. 2018;104(22):1810-1811. 5.Otto CM, Nishimura RA, Bonow RO, et al. 2020 ACC/AHA guideline for the management of patients with valvular heart disease: Executive summary: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association joint committee on clinical practice guidelines. Circulation. 2021;143(5):e72-e227. 6.Coylewright M, O'Neill E, Sherman A, et al. The learning curve for shared decision-making in symptomatic aortic stenosis. JAMA Cardiol. 2020;5(4):442-448. 7.Nkomo VT, Gardin JM, Skelton TN, et al. Burden of valvular heart diseases: a population-based study. Lancet. 2006;368(9540):1005-1011.

Patients and/or clinicians quoted on this website have received compensation from Edwards Lifesciences.