Announcing the Women’s Clinical Advisory Group for Heart Valve Voice

As a female interventional cardiologist working to improve the lives of patients with heart valve disease, I am thrilled to announce the formation of the Women’s Clinical Advisory Group for Heart Valve Voice. This pioneering initiative is set to revolutionise the way we approach heart valve disease care for women across the UK. Our group’s mission is to address the critical issues of under-diagnosis and under-treatment of women with heart valve disease, and to ensure that women receive the care they deserve.

Heart valve disease is a significant health issue, affecting millions of people in the UK. However, research consistently shows that women are often under-diagnosed and under-treated compared to men. There are multiple reasons for this disparity, including gender biases in healthcare, differences in symptom presentation, and a lack of awareness about the unique ways heart valve disease can manifest in women. As a result, many women go without the treatment they need, leading to poorer health outcomes and reduced quality of life.

This is where the Women’s Clinical Advisory Group comes in. Our goal is to shine a spotlight on these issues and advocate for change. We are committed to raising awareness about heart valve disease in women, educating healthcare professionals about the importance of recognising and diagnosing this condition, and ultimately improving access to life-saving treatments for women across the UK.

The Women’s Clinical Advisory Group comprises a diverse group of experts dedicated to championing women’s heart health. We have esteemed members from various fields of cardiology and healthcare, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table.

Click here to find out more about the Group. 

Together, we will work collaboratively to tackle the challenges facing women with heart valve disease, driving forward research, and implementing strategies to improve diagnosis and treatment pathways.

Priorities and Objectives

The primary focus of the Women’s Clinical Advisory Group is to address the under-diagnosis and under-treatment of women with heart valve disease. To achieve this, we have outlined several key priorities:

1. Raising Awareness: We will launch public awareness campaigns to educate women about the symptoms and risks of heart valve disease. By empowering women with knowledge, we aim to encourage more women to seek medical attention when experiencing symptoms.

2. Educating Healthcare Professionals: We will develop educational resources and training programs for healthcare professionals to improve their understanding of heart valve disease in women. This includes recognising symptoms more typical in women and understanding the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.

3. Promoting Research:  The group will advocate for increased research into heart valve disease in women. By supporting studies that investigate gender-specific differences in disease presentation and progression, we can identify more effective diagnostic tools and treatment options for women.

4. Improving Access to Care:  We will work with healthcare providers and policymakers to improve access to diagnostic tests and treatments for women with heart valve disease. This includes advocating for policies that address barriers to care and ensure equitable access to healthcare services.

The establishment of the Women’s Clinical Advisory Group is just the beginning. In the coming months, we will be hosting a series of meetings and workshops to outline our strategic plan and begin implementing our initiatives. We will also collaborate with other organisations and stakeholders to maximise our impact and drive meaningful change.

The Women’s Clinical Advisory Board is committed to transforming the landscape of heart valve disease care for women in the UK. By addressing the disparities in diagnosis and treatment, we aim to improve health outcomes and quality of life for countless women across the country. We invite you to join us on this journey and support our mission to create a brighter, healthier future for all women.

Dr Clare Appleby, Consultant Cardiologist at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital and Clinical Lead for Intervention and TAVI