Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week (February 26 - March 3)

Described as ‘the next cardiac epidemic’,¹ heart valve disease (HVD) impacts over half a million Australians,² yet public awareness remains insufficient. An estimated 250,000 Australians are living with this condition without even realising it.² A national survey* sponsored by hearts4heart revealed that over a quarter (28%) of all Australians, approximately 5.6 million people, have never heard of HVD and its impact and challenges.

Hearts4heart is launching Heart Valve Disease (HVD) Awareness Week, which aims to:

1. improve recognition of the risks and symptoms specific to HVD,
2. encourage people at risk of HVD, including those age 65 and older, and anyone experiencing symptoms, to speak with their GP about getting their heart checked including a stethoscope check
3. increase early detection and treatment,
4. and ultimately save lives.

The campaign creates an opportunity to encourage crucial conversations about the importance of reform in diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of HVD and how it is addressed in Australia.

What is Heart Valve Disease?

Heart Valve Disease (HVD) is a health condition where the valves in your heart, which control blood flow, don’t work properly. This can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and swelling in the legs. Essentially, HVD makes it harder for your heart to pump blood effectively.

When left untreated, HVD can harm the heart’s valves, potentially causing heart failure, strokes, and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia).

However, timely detection and appropriate treatment can extend life expectancy and enhance the quality of life for those facing HVD. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritise education and awareness campaigns to address this health issue.

Could you be at risk of HVD?

People of all ages can develop HVD, but the following factors increase risk.²

• Over age 65
• Family history of heart valve disease
• Pre-existing heart conditions
• High blood pressure
• Have had open heart surgery
• Smoker
• Have had certain infections, such as rheumatic fever or endocarditis

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can include any of the following:¹

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
• Fatigue
• Palpitations (feeling your heart racing or pounding)
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Swelling of the ankles, feet, abdomen or chest
• Coughing or wheezing
• Dizziness
• Fainting or near-fainting
• A heart murmur (abnormal sound heard when listening to the heart with a stethoscope)
• Unexplained weight loss

Concerningly, symptoms are often dismissed as a “normal part of ageing”, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. And some people with the disease experience no symptoms at all.¹

Don’t leave it to chance, check your heart in advance.

Want to check out your heart health?