Guidelines on the management of valvular heart disease (version 2012) were developed by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS). The guidelines aim to assist physicians in selecting the best management strategies for patients with valvular heart disease (VHD), considering the impact on outcomes and the risk-benefit ratio of diagnostic and therapeutic options. They are not substitutes for textbooks but complement them, covering ESC Core Curriculum topics. The guidelines emphasize the importance of risk stratification, patient evaluation, and the integration of the latest research and clinical recommendations. The guidelines focus on acquired VHD and do not cover endocarditis or congenital valve disease. They provide recommendations for the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of various valvular conditions, including aortic regurgitation, aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, mitral stenosis, tricuspid regurgitation, and tricuspid stenosis. The guidelines also address the management of prosthetic valves, combined valve diseases, and the use of antithrombotic therapy. The guidelines emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary 'heart team' approach in the management of VHD, particularly in high-risk patients. They provide detailed recommendations on the use of echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, computed tomography, and other diagnostic tools. The guidelines also discuss the management of associated conditions such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and the importance of risk stratification in decision-making. The guidelines highlight the importance of shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers, taking into account the patient's preferences, comorbidities, and the availability of appropriate treatment options. They also emphasize the need for implementation programs to ensure that guidelines are effectively translated into clinical practice. The guidelines are based on a comprehensive review of the available evidence and are regularly updated to reflect the latest developments in the field of valvular heart disease.Guidelines on the management of valvular heart disease (version 2012) were developed by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS). The guidelines aim to assist physicians in selecting the best management strategies for patients with valvular heart disease (VHD), considering the impact on outcomes and the risk-benefit ratio of diagnostic and therapeutic options. They are not substitutes for textbooks but complement them, covering ESC Core Curriculum topics. The guidelines emphasize the importance of risk stratification, patient evaluation, and the integration of the latest research and clinical recommendations. The guidelines focus on acquired VHD and do not cover endocarditis or congenital valve disease. They provide recommendations for the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of various valvular conditions, including aortic regurgitation, aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, mitral stenosis, tricuspid regurgitation, and tricuspid stenosis. The guidelines also address the management of prosthetic valves, combined valve diseases, and the use of antithrombotic therapy. The guidelines emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary 'heart team' approach in the management of VHD, particularly in high-risk patients. They provide detailed recommendations on the use of echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, computed tomography, and other diagnostic tools. The guidelines also discuss the management of associated conditions such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and the importance of risk stratification in decision-making. The guidelines highlight the importance of shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers, taking into account the patient's preferences, comorbidities, and the availability of appropriate treatment options. They also emphasize the need for implementation programs to ensure that guidelines are effectively translated into clinical practice. The guidelines are based on a comprehensive review of the available evidence and are regularly updated to reflect the latest developments in the field of valvular heart disease.