EVIDENCE

Clinical examination and an echocardiogram should detect valve disease. Detection is important because heart failure due to valve disease is potentially curable, but will require management that differs from that of other causes of heart failure such as LV systolic dysfunction.16,68 ACE inhibitor therapy may be harmful in patients with severe aortic stenosis. (III)

RECOMMENDATION

C Patients with heart failure due to valve disease should be referred for specialist assessment and advice regarding follow-up.