Valvular Heart Disease Practice Test

A 45-year-old man with prior endocarditis now has severe AR. Exam: early diastolic murmur at LSB and wide pulse pressure. Echo shows regurgitant jet and LV dilation. Which diagnostic test best confirms severity and guides timing of surgery?

A 55-year-old woman has severe MR and is otherwise healthy. Exam: holosystolic apical murmur radiating to axilla, S3. Echo: flail posterior leaflet, severe MR, LVEF 62%, LVESD 38 mm. Which management strategy is most appropriate?