Valvular heart disease

The challenge of valvular disease is in distinguishing the benign nonprogressive disorder from a concerning and potentially dangerous structural disease [1, 2]. The family physician is in a particularly challenging position because we will be addressing these potential concerns at every stage of life and often may be dealing with determining the significance of a new heart sound as an incidental finding. Valvular disease may lead to decreased functional status, permanent structural changes, and increased mortality [3, 4]. Timely diagnosis and appropriate testing and consultation are the goals of the family physician, in order to prevent the negative sequelae of inappropriately addressing valvular disease. Learning maneuvers and understanding the sounds present within the heart facilitate appropriate diagnosis [5].