Progress in cardiovascular diseases
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Valvular heart disease (VHD) carries documented risks for active individuals. At the same time, many individuals with intermediate degrees of valve disease can safely exercise and even participate in competitive athletics. ⋯ Careful physical examination and appropriate imaging studies will identify patients at risk; most will require serial evaluation but can exercise and participate in sports as desired. When symptoms develop, prompt treatment of severe, symptomatic disease and intensive cardiac rehabilitation as well as continued surveillance after surgical treatment will maximize the functional ability of active individuals with VHD.
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Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common disorder caused largely by atherosclerosis. Although it is associated with increased morbidity and cardiovascular mortality, PAD remains underdiagnosed. ⋯ Despite this, ET faces several challenges to implementation. Notably, the lack of reimbursement by third party payers remains the major challenge to routine use of ET.