Old Trafford

Old Trafford

Wednesday 30th September 2015

Heart Valve Voice and the LCCC Foundation hosted life-saving heart valve disease check-ups at the Emirates Old Trafford.

Heart Valve Voice and the LCCC Foundation hosted life-saving heart valve disease check-ups at the Emirates Old Trafford.

Heart Valve Voice and the Lancashire County Cricket Foundation (LCCCF) hosted a free heart valve disease check-up event at the England vs Australia one day international at the Emirates Old Trafford to raise awareness of the symptoms and diagnosis of heart valve disease.

Heart valve disease is a serious condition that affects more than one million over 65s in the UK and if left untreated it can prove fatal within two years. However, many associate symptoms such as, breathlessness, fatigue and dizzy spells with old age and therefore do not get their heart checked during GP consultations. People with heart valve disease are therefore more often than not left undiagnosed and untreated.

Ben Bridgewater, Cardiac Surgeon, University Hospital of South Manchester, and the Chair of Heart Valve Voice commented, “Many people assume their symptoms of heart valve disease are the natural signs of ageing. We are encouraging members of the public to report their symptoms to their GP and to ask their GP to check their heart with a stethoscope. This is the first step to being diagnosed, successfully treated and returning to a normal quality of life.”

During the check-up event, fans had their heart checked by a GP with a stethoscope – the easiest way to detect heart valve disease and a number of those at the check-up were referred to a specialist to receive an echo-cardiogram. Those who were suspected of having heart valve disease were referred back to their GP to receive a more detailed diagnosis and appropriate care.

Among the fans screened was Sky Sports’ David (Bumble) Lloyd who encouraged fans on the day to get their heart checked. Following his check-up David said: “Heart valve disease can affect anyone, no matter how fit you have been. If you find yourself getting breathless, dizzy or have chest tightness, get yourself checked out by your GP. I’m glad my check-up was clear, but I’m going to ask my GP to listen to my heart with a stethoscope on a regular basis from now on. Because when it comes to heart valve disease, if you miss it, you’re out.”