Antithrombotic therapy in valvular heart disease

Patients with valvular heart disease (VHD) are at increased risk for thrombo-emboligenic events and often require antithrombotic therapy. This needs to be clearly weighted against the bleeding risk as this is often also increased. This chapter will provide an overview of current evidence available in patients with VHD. We will discuss general indications of antithrombotic therapy, its duration, dose, bridging during procedures and treatment options during pregnancy.