Changes in valvular heart diseases – analysis in 24 years by hospitalized patients at Division of Cardiology – *
Investigations were carried out whether or not there was any change in etiology as well as anatomical background in hospitalized patients with valvular heart disease in recent 24 years at our Division of Cardiology. The results indicate that overall reduction in valvular heart disease and their changes in their etiology from "rheumatic" process to "non-rheumatic", especially degenerative and ischemic process were found. It is my conclusion that similar to the other disease processes, valvular heart disease may have also been influenced by the rapid alterations in life style in this country. (Accepted on December 8, 1998) Kawasaki Igakkaishi 24(4) : 207-210. 1998
