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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.

We need to talk about heart valve disease. In 2021 Heart Valve Voice has pledged to start 100,000 conversations about the signs and symptoms of heart valve disease, because the more we talk about the condition, the more lives we save.

In 2019, 57-year-old Derrick Johns found out he had a heart murmur. After further tests, he was diagnosed with aortic stenosis with a bicuspid aortic valve. A keen cyclist, Derrick had experienced no symptoms. However, his valve disease began to deteriorate, and he required urgent intervention. Despite the pressure COVID-19 has placed on the health service and delays to his surgery, Derrick received has now recieved life-saving treatment and is now looking forward to the rest of his life.

After experiencing a heart emergency late night one, Joyce called an ambulance and was rushed to hospital where she was diagnosed with heart failure and severe mitral valve regurgitation. Joyce was rushed to Harefield Hospital, where Dr Rob Smith used an innovative treatment which clips the mitral valve, saving her life and getting her back to her beloved husband Jim. This is Joyce's story.

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.

Heart Valve Voice is pleased to announce that former Clinical Director for Heart Disease for NHS England, Professor Huon Gray, has joined our team in an advisory role and has agreed to act as Chair of the new Heart Valve Voice Clinical Advisory Panel.