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 of International Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week is to change this narrative by shining a spotlight on the symptoms, risks, and treatment options for heart valve disease.

“Heart valve disease is often silent but deadly if left untreated,” says Heart Valve Voice Executive Director, Wil Woan,  “This week is dedicated to ensuring that people know what to look out for and how early diagnosis can make all the difference.”

Awareness Events and New Initiatives

Throughout the week, Heart Valve Voice will host events across the UK to educate the public, and engage communities. Events will be held in major cities such as London, Lancaster, Edinburgh, and more, offering the public an opportunity to connect with healthcare professionals and learn more about this life-threatening condition. 

Additionally, new initiatives will be announced, including:

• A national patient registry to improve the tracking of heart valve disease outcomes.
• A new Clinical Advisory Group focused on heart valve disease pathways for women.
• Expanded GP training programs to ensure GPs can better detect and diagnose heart valve disease. 

Patient Stories: Voices That Matter

A major feature of this year’s awareness week will be the sharing of patient stories, which provide a powerful insight into living with heart valve disease. These stories, featured on social media and during live events, aim to inspire others to take action if they notice symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, or fatigue.

“I thought my breathlessness was just part of aging until I got diagnosed with severe heart valve disease,” shared Neil, a heart valve disease survivor. “The care I received changed my life, and now I want to make sure others get the same chance.”

Global Collaboration

This awareness week is part of a global movement, backed by the Global Heart Hub and its worldwide affiliates, uniting healthcare professionals, patients, and advocates. Together, they aim to make heart valve disease a key health priority in every country.

How to Get Involved

Members of the public are encouraged to join the campaign by participating in several ways:

• Spread the Word: Share resources and information on social media using #ValveWeek24.
• Educate Yourself: Learn more about heart valve disease, its symptoms, and treatment options by visiting www.heartvalvevoice.com.
• Support: Donate to Heart Valve Voice to help continue advocating for better care and outcomes for heart valve disease patients.

Join us this week, September 16-22, in raising awareness and making a difference. Together, we can ensure that every heart valve disease patient is heard and receives the care they deserve.