This book serves as the “go-to” resource for cardiovascular nurses and other health care practitioners involved in the care of patients with acquired valvular heart disease. It includes unique information about heart valve anatomy and pathophysiology, the complexity of clinical presentations and diagnostic evaluation, patient education and shared decision-making, surgical and transcatheter treatment options, and transition to palliative care. The content focuses primarily on the specialized care of patients with aortic stenosis and regurgitation, and mitral and tricuspid regurgitation.

In addition, this unique resource provides timely information to guide a patient-centred and team-driven approach that reflects contemporary and innovative practice in the management of valvular heart disease. The essential topics of strengthening the multidisciplinary Heart Team and programmatic processes of care, the priorities for nursing care, and the multifactorial challenges of managing this complex patient population are explored in detail. Importantly, this resource aims to support all clinicians who are involved in the various timepoints of patients’ full trajectory of care, from their evaluation pathway, admissions for treatment, and long term follow-up.

 
Clinicians require contemporary knowledge and evidence to guide their practice, provide appropriate care for this complex patient population, and contribute to the advancement of practice. To date, there has been little emphasis placed on the management of valvular heart disease in cardiovascular nursing and allied health curriculum. This book fills this gap and addresses the pressing need for a user-friendly resource to guide the care for this growing population in a rapidly changing clinical environment.