[Acquired heart valve diseases--state of the art 1985].

Over the last two decades a change in the etiology of acquired valvular heart disease and a continuous further development of its treatment has been observed. In this article the following topics are addressed: The pathology as it presents today, newer aspects in drug treatment, optimal timing and choice of surgery, the problem of concomitant coronary artery disease and hypertension, and management after surgery. Present experience answers some of the questions whereas others still remain unsolved.