Douglas Lumsden, was delighted to meet UK charity, Heart Valve Voice’s recently to discuss their work promoting awareness of heart valve disease.
In the UK, progress has been made over the past few years with regards to timely diagnosis and treatment of heart valve disease. However, much more work is needed to ensure that all patients across the UK receive optimal care. Heart valve disease can often go undiagnosed as there are not always symptoms or because people do not realise the symptoms they are experiencing could be something serious. For this reason, Heart Valve Voice believes that the NHS should offer regular stethoscope checks to all over 65s.
Heart valve disease is a progressive heart condition associated with ageing, whereby the heart valves become damaged through wear or disease and cease to work properly. It affects more than one million people across the UK and, if left untreated, can lead to heart failure and death. Despite this, there remains significant under-diagnosis of the condition in the UK and local variation in terms of diagnosis and access to effective treatments.
Heart valve disease is a serious condition, but it is treatable. Patients are treated by either surgery or trans catheter procedures. Once treated, patients can get back to a better quality of life, symptoms free.
If you or anyone you know experiences symptoms of breathlessness, dizziness or fatigue, it is essential you contact your GP and ask for a stethoscope check - the first step to timely diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
Commenting on the event, Wil Woan, Chief Executive, Heart Valve Voice said: “Heart Valve Voice is on a mission to improve the diagnosis, treatment and management of heart valve disease in the UK. We know that regular stethoscope checks for over 65s could go a long way in helping to find those currently living with undiagnosed heart valve disease and give them the best chance of making a good recovery. Early detection is so important and that we are delighted that so many Parliamentarians, like Toby, have taken the time to find out more about our campaign.”
