[Clinico-diagnostic criteria for the evaluation of social aspects in acquired heart valve diseases].

In spite of the retrogression of the acute rheumatic fever the acquired valvular defects still play an essential role for the morbidity and mortality above all for the younger and middle decenniums of life. In the preliminary diagnostics it is the task of the family doctor to diagnose the valvular defect, to differentiate it from non-organic findings and to estimate its degree of severity. The diagnosis of a carditis renders special difficulties, particularly in its chronic recurrent form. Certain situations of life do not demand only an actual analysis of the findings, but also an individual prognostic estimation. For the choice of profession, the ability for military service and driving a car general references and regularities must be taken into consideration. The indication to operation of the valvular defect is generally given in degree of severity and with restriction also in stage IV. A mitral stenosis is operated already in stage II, when stronger complaints and haemodynamic changes are present. Patients with degree of severity III and IV should avoid a pregnancy, in stage I and II under common control by the internist and obstetrician the pregnant patient may not have any scruples to carry to full term.