Valvular heart disease is a chronic condition that can lead to cardiac complications. It requires long-term medical follow-up and, in some cases, medication and surgery. It is therefore important to prevent the risk of valvular heart disease and its complications by addressing the relevant health determinants. Santé publique France is therefore tasked with monitoring the epidemiology of valvular heart disease and preventing the associated risks.

Epidemiological Surveillance of Valvular Heart Disease

Santé publique France has established a valvular heart disease surveillance program based on:

• the medical-administrative databases consolidated within the National Health Data System (SNDS), particularly hospitalization data from the PMSI;

• medical causes of death from the Center for Epidemiology on Medical Causes of Death (CépiDc) of the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm).

Preventive measures against valvular heart disease

As part of its prevention mission, Santé Publique France provides information and recommends appropriate preventive measures, such as lifestyle and dietary changes and smoking cessation, to reduce the risk of certain valvular heart diseases.

• Information for the general public

Santé publique France provides the general public with several websites outlining the lifestyle and dietary guidelines to follow to prevent the risk of certain valvular heart diseases. These sites promote smoking cessation, a varied and balanced diet, regular physical activity, and reducing sedentary behavior.

• Information for healthcare professionals

Based on its valvular heart disease surveillance program, Santé publique France published an article in 2020 reporting epidemiological data on hospitalizations and mortality to inform healthcare professionals.