A Brief History of the Stethoscope and its Role in Detecting Heart Valve Disease
At Heart Valve Voice, we are committed to promoting early detection and timely treatment of heart valve disease. One of our priorities is ensuring patients have access to regular stethoscope checks, a simple yet life-saving tool for identifying early signs of valve issues. Invented over 200 years ago, the stethoscope remains a vital instrument in diagnosing heart conditions, allowing clinicians to detect murmurs and irregularities that could point to serious valve problems. Despite advances in medical technology, the stethoscope continues to play a crucial role in saving lives through early intervention and ongoing care. In the UK, millions of [...]
WHF urges countries to develop cardiovascular action plans and launches global petition
Geneva, 27 September 2024: The World Heart Federation (WHF) is launching a global petition urging all countries to have a ‘National Cardiovascular Action Plan’ to tackle heart disease, the world’s number one killer. Improving cardiovascular health requires strategies that are tailored to the national, regional, and local context, and must take the socioeconomic environment and healthcare system into account, they argue. Marking this year’s World Heart Day with the petition launch, the WHF hopes the call to action will inspire a more robust and coordinated response to cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is responsible for more than 20.5 million deaths worldwide every [...]
Wil’s Blog – Looking Back at International Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week 2024
As I reflect on last week’s International Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week, I am both humbled and inspired by what we have achieved together. Our collective passion for raising awareness of heart valve disease shone through in every aspect of this year’s campaign, and the results have been nothing short of extraordinary. One of the key milestones for Heart Valve Voice was the announcement of our new Women’s Clinical Advisory Group. This initiative will tackle the pressing issue of gender disparities in heart valve disease diagnosis and treatment. By ensuring that women’s voices are better heard, we are confident this [...]
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 [...]
International Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week 2024 Launches Across the UK
Today marks the beginning of International Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week 2024, an important global initiative led by Heart Valve Voice in partnership with the Global Heart Hub and its affiliate members. Running from September 16 to September 22 the campaign aims to raise awareness of heart valve disease, share crucial knowledge, and advocate for improved care for those affected worldwide. Why This Week Matters Heart valve disease impacts millions globally, yet many people remain undiagnosed or untreated due to a lack of awareness. Early detection and timely treatment can drastically improve outcomes and even save lives. The focus [...]
Heart Valve Voice Statement on NICE LSA Press Release
Heart Valve Voice wishes to emphasise the critical importance of ensuring that all clinically appropriate treatment options are available to patients. Recent statements from NICE, particularly the press release titled “Savings made by using the most appropriate cost-effective valve could be used by the NHS to fund more procedures and therefore cut the waiting lists,” prompt us to express our concerns about the implications for patient care and safety. It is especially concerning that the press release was published before patients had been adequately consulted. The early release of conclusions about cost-effectiveness, without fully engaging with the patients who will [...]
Neil Johnson: Ageism and Outcomes for Heart Valve Disease
When it comes to cardiovascular health, ageism appears to present a significant barrier to the diagnosis and treatment of heart valve disease among older adults. Despite the substantial contribution this demographic makes to society, they are often overlooked or dismissed when presenting in primary care settings with symptoms commonly associated with ageing. Studies suggest that primary care providers sometimes fail to recognise or adequately investigate these symptoms in older adults from a cardiac perspective, often dismissing them as purely part of the ageing process and thus leading to missed or delayed diagnoses of valve disease. This oversight can not only [...]
Heart Valve Voice Celebrates Marina’s Scafell Pike Triumph
Heart Valve Voice is thrilled to announce the remarkable achievement of Marina, a heart valve disease patient who has successfully conquered the challenge of climbing Scafell Pike! Despite the scale and difficulty of the climb, Marina fought through, with her determination showcasing the possibilities of life after heart valve disease treatment. Marina said, "Reaching the summit of Scafell Pike was more than just a personal achievement; it was a testament to what we can overcome with the right support and spirit. Thank you to everyone who believed in me and supported me on this journey! This was my toughest challenge [...]
Heart Valve Voice Celebrates Milestone: SLOW Symptom Awareness Video Reaches One Million Views
Heart Valve Voice proudly announces that its educational video "SLOW" has reached an impressive milestone of one million views. The video, launched as part of a broader campaign to raise awareness about heart valve disease, aims to educate the public on recognising key symptoms through the acronym SLOW: Shortness of breath, Lightheadedness on exertion, feeling Older than your years, and Weary. The video’s success underscores the critical need for increased awareness and early detection of heart valve disease, which affects nearly 1.5 million over 65s across the UK. By reaching this significant viewership milestone, Heart Valve Voice hopes to continue spreading [...]
Dr Yassir Javaid: Recognising and Addressing Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease
As a clinician who works across primary and secondary care, I've encountered countless patients whose lives have been significantly impacted by heart valve disease. Recognising the symptoms early on and seeking timely medical attention can make a huge impact in managing this condition effectively and ensuring optimal outcomes. It is essential we empower people with the knowledge and tools to recognise symptoms, communicate effectively with their GP, and take proactive steps towards diagnosis and timely treatment. Recognising Symptoms Heart valve disease can manifest in various ways, often depending on the specific valve affected and the severity of the condition. However, [...]
