Are you susceptible to heart valve disease?

Heart Valve Disease (HVD) Awareness Week finished on March the 3rd, but it is something that we should always continue to be aware of. Shedding light on a condition often overlooked yet posing significant health risks.

heart valve disease

Here’s what you need to know:

• Scope: Described as the “next cardiac epidemic,” HVD affects 250,000 Australians, yet awareness remains low. A national survey sponsored by hearts4heart revealed that 28% of Australians, approximately 5.6 million people, are unfamiliar with HVD and its implications.
• Objectives: HVD Awareness Week aims to:
  • Enhance recognition of HVD risks and symptoms.
  • Encourage individuals at risk, especially those aged 65 and older or experiencing symptoms, to consult their GP for heart check-ups.
  • Promote early detection and treatment to save lives.
• What is HVD?
  • HVD is a condition where heart valves, responsible for blood flow regulation, malfunction.
  • Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and leg swelling, hampering effective blood pumping.
  • Untreated HVD can lead to heart failure, strokes, and irregular heartbeats.
• Risk Factors: While HVD can affect people of all ages, certain factors increase the risk:
  • Age over 65, family history of HVD, pre-existing heart conditions, high blood pressure, previous open heart surgery, smoking, and certain infections.
• Symptoms: Recognisable symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, swelling, coughing, wheezing, dizziness, fainting, heart murmur, and unexplained weight loss.
• Challenges: Symptoms are often mistaken as normal aging, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Some individuals may experience no symptoms at all.
• Action: If you’re over 65 or experiencing symptoms, consult your GP promptly for a heart check-up.

Resources: Hearts4heart offers valuable resources and information here.

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