Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week

September 12 – 18, 2022

If you are over 65 and those small, everyday tasks feel more like a big ordeal, listen to your heart as it could mean you have heart valve disease. Ask your doctor for a stethoscope check at least once a year. Heart valve disease is common, serious, but treatable. Follow the campaign using #ListenToYourHeart #valveweek22

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Why creating awareness about Heart Valve Disease is so important

Heart valve disease has been described as ‘the next cardiac epidemic’. This Awareness Week is important, not only to raise awareness of the disease but also to make the population more aware of the symptoms so that they can seek the help they need at the right time. It is also important that clinicians provide their patients, especially those who are over the age of 65, with regular stethoscope exams as these are the key to detecting heart valve disease.

One out of eight people over the age of 75 suffers from moderate to severe heart valve disease, which involves damage to one or more of the heart’s valves. It is estimated that the number of people living with heart valve disease will double by 2040 and triple by 2060.

Heart Valve Disease prevalence is rising rapidly due to the ageing of the population. People are living longer and older people are crucial contributors to society and the economy. Untreated valve disease is a barrier to active ageing but conversely, early detection and timely treatment will increase longevity and quality of life.

Often heart valve disease patients are diagnosed only when they see a healthcare professional for a regular check-up or for some other issue. The seriousness of heart valve disease, combined with the fact that the symptoms are often difficult to detect or dismissed as a normal part of ageing, can often result in troublesome or dangerous consequences.

One out of eight people over the age of 75 suffers from moderate to severe heart valve disease, which involves damage to one or more of the heart’s valves. It is estimated that the number of people living with heart valve disease will double by 2040 and triple by 2060.

Heart Valve Disease prevalence is rising rapidly due to the ageing of the population. People are living longer and older people are crucial contributors to society and the economy. Untreated valve disease is a barrier to active ageing but conversely, early detection and timely treatment will increase longevity and quality of life.

Often heart valve disease patients are diagnosed only when they see a healthcare professional for a regular check-up or for some other issue. The seriousness of heart valve disease, combined with the fact that the symptoms are often difficult to detect or dismissed as a normal part of ageing, can often result in troublesome or dangerous consequences.

Watch the videos below to hear from people living with heart valve disease

What is Heart Valve Disease?

Heart valve disease is a common, serious, but treatable condition which is particularly associated with ageing. It is the name given to any malfunction or abnormality of one or more of the heart’s four valves, affecting the flow of blood through the heart.

What is regurgitation?
Regurgitation is when a valve does not fully close and allows blood to leak backwards. It is also commonly referred to as valve insufficiency, or a leaky valve. This condition includes mitral regurgitation and aortic regurgitation.

What is stenosis?
Stenosis is when a valve does not fully open to allow enough blood to flow through. This can be due to age-related calcification of the valve. A calcified valve can become very narrow or blocked and therefore limits the amount of blood that flows through. It is also commonly called a sticky, narrowed, or stiff valve.

Know the Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease

Symptoms can include:

  • chest tightness/pain
  • shortness of breath
  • fatigue
  • irregular heartbeats
  • fainting
  • reduced physical activity

However, some heart valve disease patients do not show symptoms or have no symptoms for many years, even if their disease is severe, all of which can make diagnosis difficult.

Get Involved

To join the campaign or for more information, please email info@globalhearthub.org.

Campaign Partners

Global Heart Hub Heart Valve Disease Patient Council

The awareness week is led by the Heart Valve Disease Patient Council of the Global Heart Hub which includes:

Supported by: