Blogs

I started working at Heart Valve Voice fresh out of University and I began in an administrative role before very quickly started moving up to bigger responsibilities, and I am now a Head of Programmes and completing a level 4 apprenticeship in Project Management.

At the beginning of February, Heart Valve Voice launched our 100,000 Conversations campaign. We aim to start 100,000 conversations about the signs and symptoms of heart valve disease - and start a national conversation about this common, serious, but treatable condition.

Phill Read, 43, was diagnosed with moderate mitral valve disease in February 2020. A Partnerships Manager for an over 60s property specialist and an avid cyclist, Phill and his wife Sacha have researched different treatment options and discussed them with his clinician to ensure they make the right decision for themselves, their children Cameron, 22, Yasmin, 18, Sadie, 8, and, of course, the family dog, Harry.

The strain COVID-19 has placed on the NHS has been severe, and the news of the Hospitals struggling to cope with the pressures of COVID-19 will likely cause many people concern. However, it is vital that people know that the NHS is still here to help you despite these pressures. If you have a heart emergency and need medical attention, do not hesitate to respond - when your heart says so, just go.

In recent weeks and months, we have spoken to patients whose heart valve disease treatment have been delayed due to COVID-19. Now, we have begun to publish stories that give the real-life experience of the impact of these delays on individuals.

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.

In May this year, Heart Valve Voice conducted a survey of Valve Clinics in the UK to understand the impact of COVID-19 on their services and see how they adapted their practices to mitigate the rise in hospital admissions and reduction in treatment. Now, as we see infection rates and COVID-19 hospital admissions rise across the UK, we must learn from the past and limit the impact of the second wave on the NHS and valve disease patients. 

Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week 2020 is behind us, and what a fantastic week it was for Heart Valve Voice, Patient Organisations around the world, and anyone affected by heart valve disease. 

As we approach the end of Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week 2020 I’m overwhelmed by the response we have had from our valve disease community and the public at large. 

Today marks the start of Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week 2020. Day 1 has seen the release of Global Heart Hub's European Heart Health Survey. While in the UK Heart Valve Voice and our patient advocates have taken to the TV and Radio to promote the signs and symptoms of heart valve disease - and encourage over 65s to ask their GP for a stethoscope check.