News

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.

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.

In England, clinical guidelines are developed by an independent non-departmental public body, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). NICE appoints an independent advisory committee for the guidelines, comprising healthcare professionals as well as lay representatives with lived experience, assisted by teams whose work covers evidence review and support, health economic evaluation, guideline recommendation development and quality assurance. Registered stakeholders with an interest in the guideline topic, or representing people whose practice or care may be affected by the guideline, are consulted on the draft guidelines.

I was approached by Heart Valve Voice to participate in the NICE Guideline consultation after sharing my heart valve disease story. After my story was first published, I spoke with the team and was keen to get involved in helping support other patients living with valve disease and use my experience to give back, so when they contacted me to say I could help shape guidelines, I was more than happy to get involved and contribute. 

As we mark 25 years of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the impact of its Guideline for ‘Heart valve disease presenting in adults: investigation and management’ published in 2021. 

Heart Valve Voice is pleased to announce that we were awarded the Global Cardiovascular Award for Best Public Awareness Campaign at a ceremony in London last night.