News

A recent British Heart Foundation study has found that between March and October there were over 5000 excess deaths from heart problems in the UK. These numbers are of great concern, and it is essential that we limit the impact of the second wave of COVID-19 on the care of patients with heart valve disease. This means that: patients must know that they should go to the doctor if they are experiencing symptoms of breathlessness, dizziness or fatigue; primary care must refer patients in a timely manner; and secondary care must maximise treatment capacity.

Across the country, COVID-19 infections continue to rise, and as the infection rates rise, so too do hospital admissions and, sadly, deaths. As we move forward in this second wave of COVID-19 response, we must learn from the first wave. For most people suffering from heart valve disease, the consequences of not being treated far outweigh the risk of contracting COVID-19 whilst in hospital. Therefore, the first lesson we should take from the first wave is to continue to treat heart valve disease patients in a timely and safe way. 

Heart Valve Voice’s Gold Standard sets out specific recommendations for multidisciplinary teams (MDTs). One of the impacts of COVID-19 has been the move from in-person MDT's to a virtual format. These new virtual MDTs are a step in the right direction, as this more agile approach will allow for faster decision making, and with more input from external services.

Yesterday, Scottish Parliament held a debate on an Early Day Motion brought forward by David Stewart MSP on Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week 2020.

Today, Heart Valve Voice launch our Virtual Appointment Guide for valve disease patients. The guide was created in response to the reduction of in-person services due to COVID-19 and will help foster the same comfort and confidence patients feel when they meet their clinician.

​On the 5th July Heart Valve Voice will hold a House of Commons testing event with MPs to raise awareness of heat valve disease