#ListenToYourHeart
Monday 11th September 2023
Today marks the start of International Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week. A week that aims to improve the global diagnosis, treatment, and management of heart valve disease. The week is celebrated by charities from across the globe, all to promote awareness of the disease, its symptoms and the importance of early detection and timely treatment.
This year the message is:
"In life, there are many important events. None is more important than a regular stethoscope check. It’s the first step in detecting Heart Valve Disease. Symptoms can include breathlessness, dizziness and fatigue but sometimes there can be no symptoms at all. It can happen as part of the ageing process when our valves don’t open and close as they should. Ask your doctor for a stethoscope check- this simple check can save your life. #ListenToYourHeart.”
Why is it important
This Awareness Week is important, not only to raise awareness of the disease but also to make the population more aware of the symptoms so that they can seek the help they need at the right time. It is also important that clinicians provide their patients, especially those who are over the age of 65, with regular stethoscope exams, as these are the key to detecting heart valve disease.
One out of eight people over the age of 75 suffers from moderate to severe heart valve disease, which involves damage to one or more of the heart’s valves. It is estimated that the number of people living with heart valve disease will double by 2040 and triple by 2060.
Heart Valve Disease prevalence is rising rapidly due to the ageing of the population. People are living longer and older people are crucial contributors to society and the economy. Untreated valve disease is a barrier to active ageing, but conversely, early detection and timely treatment will increase longevity and quality of life.
How can you get involved?
You can get involved in person or online. If you would like to hold an event at work or in a local group, email info@heartvalvevoice.com and a member of the team can support you.
Alternatively, you can promote awareness by sharing our message on social media with your family and friends. Just a simple tweet or Facebook post could save a life! Copy and paste the following to start promoting awareness today.
“I’m proudly supporting Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week 2023. Valve disease is a serious condition that affects 1.5 million people. This #ValveWeek23 encourage people you know to ListenToYourHeart and get a stethoscope check if they’re feeling breathless. "The more we listen, the more lives we save.”
Next weekend, we’ll be asking all our supporters to Show Heart and post a picture of themselves on social media with the hashtag #ListenToYourHeart