Future of Valvular Heart Disease and Structural Heart Interventions: Why So Much Excitement?

Valvular heart disease (VHD) is becoming increasingly prevalent in the aging population and continues to be a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Advances in non-invasive imaging, able to confirm the presence and severity of valve disease, have been crucial in revealing VHD mechanisms through the assessment of morphological and functional changes. In parallel, immense progress in both surgical techniques and catheter-based interventions has broadened therapeutic options, particularly for high-risk and elderly patients. Despite the availability of evidence-based guidelines, a shared decision-making process should play a key role in the final decision for therapy, outlining the goals and risks of possible intervention coupled with the patient's own needs and expectations. Future research should aim to develop safer, more effective, and longer-lasting treatments tailored to the unique need of each patient with VHD.