World Heart Day: Listen To Your Heart
Today is World Heart Day! Created by the World Heart Federation, this initiative aims to inform people around the globe about cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke. Cardiovascular disease is the world’s leading cause of death claiming 17.9 million lives each year. World Heart Day is intended to educate people about controlling risk factors as at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided.
HVV Canada is using World Heart Day to share the importance of advocating for your health if you’re experiencing new or worsening symptoms associated with cardiac conditions. Aortic Stenosis is the most common form of heart valve disease among the adult population and affects 1 in 8 people over the age of 75. Symptoms of Aortic Stenosis can develop rapidly and worsen over time, and without appropriate treatment, 50% of patients are likely to die within two years.
Many of those in the HVV Canada network have shared their concerns about the increased barriers faced in getting the medical attention they need during COVID-19. This includes closed clinics, clinics with reduced hours, extensive wait times, and the fear of visiting their doctor or hospitals during a pandemic. Still, it is crucial that patients with or experiencing symptoms of heart valve disease seek immediate care.
On World Heart Day, HVV Canada encourages everyone to pay close attention to the symptoms of heart valve disease such as shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain and fatigue, and immediately seek medical attention if they’re experiencing any of them.
Additional information can be found here: https://www.world-heart-federation.org/