Heart Valve Disease
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Heart valve disease is a common, serious, but treatable condition that affects more than 1.5 million people in the UK. Despite being serious, it is treatable, and with timely treatment, people can return to a good quality of life symptom-free.
A diseased valve can either be repaired or replaced by a surgical procedure which has been proven to be very successful over many decades. More recently, a less invasive procedure called TAVI has become available.
A Multidisciplinary Team will meet to discuss your case and decide on the best treatment pathway for you. Your doctor will be able to advise which is the most appropriate in your case.
There are pros and cons to each type of surgical procedure and valve replacement, depending on age and lifestyle. You should discuss with your physicians which valve and surgery are most suitable for you.
Due to Patient Choice initiative, patients in the NHS have the right to choose where they are treated but you will need to be referred by your consultant cardiologist or GP.
Tips for family, friends and carers
- Learn the facts before they have their surgical procedure so that they’ll know what to expect.
- For further information on heart valve disease, please see our Heart valve disease fact sheet here.
Heart Valve Disease
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Patient Story: Phillip
After beginning to feel breathless in 2018, Phillip Warlow was diagnosed with aortic stenosis in April 2019. With his condition deteriorating, Phillip required early intervention and received a tissue valve at Morriston Hospital, Swansea. Since being treated, Phillip is back enjoying life with his grandson, welcomed a new granddaughter into the world and now supports Heart Valve Voice to raise awareness of the disease.
Read Phillip’s story in full…