“It was my heart valve all along”
November 23, 2023

When Kathy Howes experienced fainting, dizziness and racing heartbeats, she faced a frustrating search for answers. Nobody connected those symptoms to her heart valve condition, mitral valve prolapse — until it was almost too late. Now, after valve replacement surgery, Kathy is sharing what she learned along the way, and what she wants people to know about valve disease.

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Ask an expert: Exercise prior to treatment
November 22, 2023

Question: I have recently been diagnosed with heart valve disease. Do I need to restrict my physical activity?

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Paving the way: a roadmap to the successful implementation of shared decision-making in heart valve disease
November 20, 2023

This global roadmap, to which Heart Valve Voice Canada is a contributor, is designed to support patient organizations and advocates who wish to implement shared decision-making for people facing heart valve disease treatment options.

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Ask a cardiologist: Brain fog after surgery
November 13, 2023

Question: Following surgery to replace my aortic valve, I often experienced what I can best describe as brain fog and reduced mental sharpness during my recovery. Is this common?

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“I always believe in hope”
October 30, 2023

Len Crispino never gave up hope. Cancer treatment had left his faulty aortic valve with further damage, and surgery to replace the valve was considered too risky. Learn how Len and his wife, Marisa, overcame this challenge and more. As a board member of Heart Valve Voice Canada, he’s sharing his story to help others learn from his experience.

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Hugh MacPhie announced as Heart Valve Voice Canada Chair
September 18, 2023

We are pleased to announce Hugh MacPhie as the new Heart Valve Voice Canada Chair. Having joined the board in 2022 Hugh will build on the board’s mission to grow it's reach and impact.

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Heart Valve Voice Canada forms new partnership to help raise awareness amongst seniors
September 6, 2023

In an exciting new partnership, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, Heart Valve Voice Canada, and MediSystem Pharmacy are teaming up to put a spotlight on heart valve disease and improve early detection for those most at risk.

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HVVC welcomes three new distinguished Board Members
June 26, 2023

As we work towards our mission to improve the health and quality of life for people living with heart disease, a key part of our action plan involves finding the right partners to drive our patient advocacy forward. Our Heart Valve Voice Canada Board of Directors is the heartbeat of our organization and we are continually looking for advocates who will help us empower people and save lives. We are honoured whenever someone volunteers their skillset and time to our mission, and we are happy to announce a few new additions to our team.

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Be prepared for your upcoming hospital stay
May 15, 2023

Packing the right items and being prepared for your hospital stay can remove some of the stress of your upcoming treatment. Anticipating what you will need when you come home can also help you focus on your recovery and support your journey back to an active life.

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Virginia becomes the first patient to get a minimally invasive mitral valve procedure in Saskatchewan
April 24, 2023

When Virginia got the call telling her she didn’t have to travel to Toronto for her valve procedure, she couldn’t believe it. Until that moment, Virginia and her daughter were contemplating the worry of a long flight from Saskatchewan, finding a place to stay, and the stress of undergoing a heart-related procedure. But that call changed everything, for the better.

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Better access to care for mitral valve patients in Saskatchewan thanks to champion efforts by local cardiologist
April 22, 2023

Heart valve disease patients who live in Saskatchewan and are candidates for a transcatheter mitral valve repair procedure, can now get the procedure done in their home province, avoiding personal out-of-province travel costs, health risks, and accompanying stress.

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Solving for heart valve disease is solving for healthy and active aging
March 23, 2023

Early screening of heart valve disease saves public health care systems resources, but prevalent ageism delays diagnosis, limits care, and leads to avoidable costs and impacts on people’s lives.

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Heart Valve Disease Awareness Act passes first reading
March 1, 2023

All MPPs and staff at Queen’s Park in Toronto were invited to participate in the #ListenToYourHeart Challenge reception. MPP Rudy Cuzzetto introduced Bill 66, The Heart Valve Disease Awareness Act, proclaiming February 22nd as Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day in Ontario. During the reception, the landmark report, Heart Valve Disease: Working together to improve the patient journey was shared with key decision makers. More than 90 policy makers and staff participated and showed their support.

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Early catch leads to heart valve disease treatment
February 28, 2023

In 2019, Oakville resident Karen Timmerman thought she had the flu. Her persistent symptoms resulted in a trip to her local hospital. While trying to find the source of her illness, doctors discovered a heart murmur which turned out to be caused by a defective heart valve. “This story is shared with permission from Hamilton Health Sciences and author Ellie Stutsman. The original article was published Sept. 16, 2022.”

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Healthy living is key after a diagnosis of heart valve disease
February 27, 2023

Focusing on healthy living is important for everyone, but it’s particularly important for someone who has been diagnosed with heart valve disease. Healthy living includes managing key risk factors for your heart health like not smoking, maintaining a healthy blood pressure measurement, exercising, keeping a healthy weight, and managing your blood cholesterol. There is a lot you can do to control these risk factors for your heart health.

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“Listen to your heart” events across Canada
February 1, 2023

February 22nd is Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day and we are joining forces with the Canadian Cardiovascular Society to improve early detection of heart valve disease by educating Canadians on the importance of stethoscope checks, especially for those ages 60-plus. Join us at one of the stethoscope events we are hosting across the country. Read more to see the list of locations.

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Lise’s patient journey started with a routine stethoscope check
January 12, 2023

Lise’s heart murmur was detected as part of a routine physical examination, which included a stethoscope check. Her journey eventually led to a heart valve replacement, which occurred the same day as her sister’s heart surgery. In a ‘twist of fate,’ the surgeon who performed Lise’s procedure, also operated on her sister, on the same day! “We call ourselves the heart twins now,” says Lise’s sister Eveline.

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Call for Board of Directors representative(s)
December 7, 2022

Are you interested in sharing your expertise and experience to help advance Heart Valve Voice Canada’s strategic priorities? HVVC is currently seeking individuals to serve on our Board of Directors. We are looking for skilled individuals to support the governance mandate and guide HVVC. Experience and knowledge in finance or law are of specific interest.

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Holiday care to carry you into 2023
December 6, 2022

As we approach the end of the year, we want to thank all our readers who have supported and engaged with Heart Valve Voice Canada. You have helped us improve awareness of heart valve disease and how we can do better in diagnosing and treating it. Looking ahead we are excited about the new ways that we can serve and advocate for those with heart valve disease. We also want to encourage you to prioritize your health this holiday season. To help you in doing so, we are sharing a few tips for having a happy and healthy holiday season

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Shirley considers a second valve replacement
November 14, 2022

From a young age, Shirley enjoyed being active. She square danced, played baseball, volleyball and participated in track and field. While family and work kept her very busy, Shirley lived most of her life with a bicuspid aortic valve. Twice when her failing valve was slowing her down, she was faced with major decisions including navigating different treatment options.

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Read this National Post article that puts the spotlight on heart valve disease and the importance of early detection by a stethoscope check
September 26, 2022

Read this National Post story to find out why Dave, a heart valve disease patient, says you shouldn’t dismiss symptoms like feeling, breathlessness, dizziness or fatigue as regular signs of aging.

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Rudy is thankful for his wife's urging to go to the doctor
September 9, 2022

When Rudy Cuzzetto came out of open-heart surgery, he could hear the click of his new mechanical heart valve. Today, he doesn’t hear it, but has other reminders of how lucky he is for that day more than 13 years ago when his family doctor did a simple stethoscope check.

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Mandy’s undetected symptoms
July 18, 2022

Mandy didn’t notice a change in her symptoms, however once recovered from her surgery she realized how badly affected she was by heart valve disease. In her words, “It’s as though I’ve discovered new gears on my bike!”

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Heart Valve Voice Canada welcomes Hugh MacPhie to the Board of Directors
July 7, 2022

As a person with lived experience with mitral valve disease Hugh brings the important patient perspective to the Board of Directors. Hugh is a business strategist, public speaker and author who has advised some of Canada’s most successful leaders and organizations from some of Canada’s largest companies to high-tech start-ups. His expertise in strategic leadership and facilitation will be an asset as we grow and work to improve the health and quality of life of people living with heart valve disease.

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Christian’s story about a surprise diagnosis at 38
May 12, 2022

Christian's murmur was detected at a routine medical checkup for an immigration visa application to support his imminent move to Canada. This occurred weeks after welcoming their second child into the world, so Christian's life was turned on its head. Further tests indicated that he required urgent surgical intervention. Now in Canada, he is not wasting his second chance!

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Heart Valve Disease: Working together to create a better patient journey
April 26, 2022

The report Heart Valve Disease: Working together to create a better patient journey commissioned by Heart Valve Voice Canada and written by The Health Policy Partnership provides a comprehensive view of the entire heart valve disease patient journey from first detection to diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment, identifying gaps and their impacts. This report was developed under the guidance of a multidisciplinary advisory council, whose members included people with lived experience and healthcare professionals engaged in heart valve disease in Canada. The patient perspective was the common thread throughout this report.

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Heart Valve Disease in Canada: Recommended Components for a National Strategy
April 25, 2022

The Institute for Health Economics (IHE) has published a report which provides the results of a national roundtable convened in November 2021 to identify the necessary components for a national strategy to address heart valve disease. Heart Valve Disease is on the rise, affecting millions of people worldwide. It can be fatal if untreated but is increasingly treatable with early detection.

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Lessons learned from a lifelong journey with heart valve disease
February 16, 2022

Ruth was born with a congenital heart defect and at age nine she had open-heart surgery to repair a faulty valve. It was a success, and her prognosis was good, such that she did not experience significant limitations in participating in life. Unfortunately, this changed in 2020, which brought significant challenges to Ruth as her heart valve was failing again. Luckily that year is now behind Ruth and there are great lessons from her well documented long and challenging journey. ‍

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Joylyn Bogle’s new lease on life
January 18, 2022

When Joylyn Bogle was 59, she was admitted to the hospital with congestive heart failure. Her heart was so weak that operating on her would have been potentially fatal, but without intervention, she was going to die. It was then decided that Joylyn would be treated for her mitral valve regurgitation with a less invasive approach using catheters: Transcatheter Edge to Edge Repair (TEER). She is now enjoying being more active again.

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What is mitral valve disease?
January 18, 2022

The mitral valve is a valve on the left side of the heart. This is one of the heart’s four valves that help prevent blood from flowing backward as it moves through the heart. When the valve is not functioning optimally blood can leak backwards requiring the heart to work harder or have reduced blood flow and increased pressure in the lungs that lead to heart failure and other conditions. Mitral valve disease can be acquired later in life through several conditions or congenital (present at birth).

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Take care this holiday season
December 13, 2021

With the end of the year in sight, we want to thank all of the visitors and followers who have supported and engaged with Heart Valve Voice Canada over this past year. From sharing our social media campaigns and news articles to sharing our message with your friends, family and elected leaders, you have helped us improve awareness of heart valve disease and how we can do better in diagnosing and treating it. We are now looking ahead to 2022 and excited about the new ways that we can serve and advocate for those with heart valve disease.

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90% of Canadians have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. For every one of them, every minute counts.
December 6, 2021

Not Another Minute should go by with Canadians not being aware of the risk factors of heart disease, especially considering nine in ten Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The stats are sobering, but in this age of information we have opportunities to increase awareness of the risk factors and steps one can take to prevent it.

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What is heart valve disease?
November 23, 2021

Heart valve disease results from damage to the valves of the heart. Heart valves have tissue leaflets which open and close with each heartbeat to control the direction and flow of blood through the heart. When the leaflets or associated structures become damaged, or the valve opening becomes compromised, blood flow is restricted, or the valve becomes leaky. This causes strain on the heart as it attempts to compensate.

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Mandy makes the most of her recovery plan
October 18, 2021

More than a year after my valve replacements, I can look back and see how badly affected I was by the heart valve disease without being aware of it. It’s as though I’ve discovered new gears on my bike! I can do so much more exercise now and it no longer wears me out to run errands. I will always be managing a chronic condition alongside the long-term monitoring of my heart valves, but I am excited to see my stamina continuing to improve and feel hopeful about what I will be able to achieve in years to come.

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LISTEN TO YOUR HEART!
September 13, 2021

This week is Heart Valve Disease Week, here in Canada and around the globe. It’s a time when we pay particular attention to helping people understand the symptoms and signs of heart valve disease. It’s also an opportunity to share stories of members of this community who have received care and who have become passionate about helping other Canadians realize what to watch for and when to seek care.

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Virtual care up, Stethoscope tests down: Experts concerned about risk of undiagnosed heart valve disease
July 7, 2021

Although many Canadians have been seeing their GPs virtually since March 2020 and intend to continue with virtual care for non-emergency appointments, three-quarters of respondents aged 25 and older to a national survey released today, believe the virtual visit is not as effective as in-person appointments in discovering new or worsening symptoms.

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Heart Valve Replacement During COVID-19: Dave’s Story
June 28, 2021

As a recently retired 62-year-old, Dave was fully engaged in his life but began to notice that he couldn’t “go” like he used to. After mentioning how he was feeling to his doctor, Dave was diagnosed with severe Aortic Stenosis and underwent heart valve replacement at the height of COVID-19. Today, Dave is increasingly 'back to normal' and living a full life!

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Know the Signs and Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease and #StepUp for Your Health
May 17, 2021

Knowing the symptoms of heart valve disease and seeking care when needed is one of the best ways to #StepUp and protect your heart health during the pandemic.

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During the Pandemic Heart Valve Disease Patients Are Encouraged to #JustGo
April 21, 2021

It is important for heart valve disease patients to prioritize their heart health during the pandemic. If you, or your loved one, are experiencing new or worsening symptoms of heart valve disease, don’t delay seeking care - #JustGo to the hospital or emergency department.

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Bryan’s Endocarditis Story
March 17, 2021

Bryan was born with Mitral Valve Prolapse and lived with the condition for many years. Later in life, after four misdiagnoses, he was identified as having infective endocarditis. After having to go on life support, Bryan encourages other patients to never underestimate the importance of early detection.

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Health Canada approves low-risk patients for minimally invasive treatment option
February 22, 2021

Health Canada has recently expanded indication and approval for two transcatheter heart valves for use in a TAVI procedure.

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Progress being made but more needed for heart valve disease patients in Canada
February 22, 2021

During Heart Month and on Valve Disease Day, Heart Valve Voice Canada is pleased to recognize recent advancements in treatment options for Canadian cardiac patients, but remains concerned about the continued delays and difficulties in accessing treatments as a result of the pandemic.

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Patient Story: Getting TAVI Just in Time
February 8, 2021

One of the last procedures completed before COVID-19 prevented them from being performed for period of time, this patient received TAVI and was discharged and home a total of 22 hours after the procedure was completed.

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Heart Valve Voice Welcomes Ellen Ross as Managing Director
January 18, 2021

Heart Valve Voice Canada is excited to welcome Ellen Ross as Managing Director! This is a new role for HVV Canada that will be the next step in the growth and development of our organization.

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The Role of Digital Health in Cardiovascular Disease
January 18, 2021

Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted an interesting shift in the delivery of patient care: digital health. The significant increase in demand for virtual and/or remote options to receive care and medical support due to limited in-person interactions has shone the spotlight on the need to explore how to properly and most effectively implement this new option.

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Global Heart Hub Releases Patient Journey Report
December 10, 2020

At Heart Valve Voice Canada, we’re excited to share with you that the Global Heart Hub and The Health Policy Partnership have launched a report, Heart valve disease: working together to create a better patient journey.

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Take Care This Holiday Season
December 7, 2020

With the end of the year in sight, we want to thank all of the visitors and followers who have supported and engaged with Heart Valve Voice Canada over this past year. We also want to encourage those of you with heart valve disease to take the time to rest and prioritize your health this holiday season.

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HVV Canada Pleased by Ontario’s Continued Investment in Cardiac Care; Calling for Government’s Acceptance of Ontario Health’s Recommendation to Broaden Access to Treatment
November 19, 2020

HVV Canada is encouraged by the Government of Ontario’s continued investment in cardiac disease treatments and is now calling on the Province to further its commitment by accepting Ontario Health’s recommendation to publicly fund TAVI in adults with severe Aortic Stenosis who are at low surgical risk.

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Heart Valve Voice at the Family Medicine Forum
November 12, 2020

HVV participated in the Family Medicine Forum (FMF) conference hosted by The College of Family Physicians of Canada from November 4-7, 2020. The Conference saw 3000+ clinicians and other healthcare professionals attend virtual sessions and exhibitor booths for information sharing, education, and networking purposes.

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Patient Success Story: Nancy's Story
November 2, 2020

At age 25, Nancy discovered that she was born with a biscuspid aortic valve. After two decades without incident, sharp chest pain resulted in a trip to the emergency department. After two open heart surgeries, Nancy says that she will never minimize how she's feeling or put off seeking care ever again.

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Learning from the Past as COVID-19 Continues in Canada
November 1, 2020

As COVID-19 case numbers continue to cause uncertainty and changes in Canada, it is important that we apply our learned lessons from the country’s initial response to the pandemic.

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Patient Success Story: An Ironman Comeback
October 2, 2020

Avid cyclist and Ironman participant, Fabio had to take a break from sport because he needed heart surgery due to bicuspid aortic valve stenosis. However, it didn't take him long to get back on the bicycle and back in the race.

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Ontario’s COVID-19 Surgery Backlog a Priority for Heart Valve Voice Canada on World Heart Day
September 29, 2020

On World Heart Day, Heart Valve Voice (HVV) Canada is shining a light on the over 148,000 procedures that have been postponed during the pandemic in Ontario alone, and the importance of advocating for your health if you’re experiencing new or worsened symptoms associated with cardiac conditions.

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World Heart Day: Listen To Your Heart
September 29, 2020

World Heart Day was created by the World Heart Federation and aims to inform people around the globe about cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke.

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HVV Canada supports global colleagues with Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week
September 16, 2020

HVV Canada is proudly supporting our global colleagues as Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week takes place in various jurisdictions from September 14-20, 2020.

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Low awareness of serious but treatable heart condition could be putting Canadian lives at risk
September 15, 2020

Survey results published by Global Heart Hub show that older Canadians are as unaware as ever of aortic stenosis, the most common form of heart valve disease. In its most serious form, more than half of patients with severe heart valve disease die within two years of developing symptoms.

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Heart Valve Disease: it’s common and serious, but treatable
September 14, 2020

Read our guest Post from Wil Woan, Chair of the Heart Valve Disease Patient Council with Global Heart Hub, as he discusses the realities of heart valve disease and the importance of Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week.

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Impacts of COVID-19 on Heart Valve Disease Patients: A Clinician’s Perspective
September 2, 2020

Questions answered by Dr. Charles Peniston, Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist, Chair of HVV’s Board of Directors.

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Patient Success Story: Bryan's Story
August 28, 2020

Bryan was born with Mitral Valve Prolapse. He didn't experience symptoms until 2014, when an infection of one of his heart valves had serious implications on his health. A year later, Bryan received highly successful heart valve repair surgery. His message to other patients: advocate for your health, take it seriously, and don't wait until it's too late.

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HVV Canada Joins Global Partners for #JustGO Campaign
July 2, 2020

We have joined with our global partners for the #JustGo Campaign, reminding heart patients that if your heart says so, #JustGo to the hospital or your doctor.

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Heart Valve Voice Canada Calls for the Prioritization of Heart Valve Disease Patients as Elective Surgeries Begin to Resume
June 3, 2020

Heart Valve Voice (HVV) Canada, a non-profit patient advocacy organization for those with heart valve disease, urges provincial governments and health care institutions to prioritize the treatment of heart valve disease patients as elective surgeries are reassessed and begin to resume during COVID-19.

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Heart Valve Voice Canada Joins Global Heart Hub
June 1, 2020

Heart Valve Voice (HVV) Canada, along with its Board of Directors, is pleased to announce that it has joined Global Heart Hub (GHH).

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May Update: COVID-19 and Heart Valve Disease
May 1, 2020

We have updated our website with answers to frequently asked questions, additional links and resources to help you stay informed, and access to a symptom tracker if you are awaiting or have recently received heart valve treatment or surgery.

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Heart Valve Disease and COVID-19
March 16, 2020

With the recent developments of COVID-19, Heart Valve Voice Canada and its Board of Directors believe it is important to share information regarding what heart valve disease patients should be aware of during this time.

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Valve Disease Day 2020
February 5, 2020

Heart Valve Voice Canada is proud to be participating in Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day on February 22, 2020. After an eventful 2019 for our organization, we’re excited to continue to the momentum as we join with others in the movement to raise awareness of heart valve disease in Canada and across the world.

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MPP Event at Queen’s Park Update
December 13, 2019

HVV Canada hosted a luncheon at the Ontario Legislative Assembly in Toronto on December 2, 2019.

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Complimentary Stethoscope Check Event Update
December 12, 2019

On December 9, 2019, HVV Canada offered complimentary stethoscope checks at the Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place in Newmarket, Ontario.

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Upcoming Event: Complimentary Stethoscope Checks in Newmarket, Ontario
November 8, 2019

On December 9, 2019 from 10:00am – 3:30pm, Heart Valve Voice (HVV) Canada will conduct complimentary stethoscope checks at the Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place.

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Patient Success Story: John's Story
May 2, 2019

At 54, John found out that he had a severe aortic stenosis and an AAA aneurysm. He decided on a bio-tissue SAVI (Surgical Aortic Valve Implant), and ten weeks post-surgery found himself back at work with a new perspective on life and a new appreciation for what's important in it.

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TAVI Campaign Update
August 21, 2018

We offer a huge shout out to the thousands of Ontarians who added their voice this past Spring to our first digital advocacy campaign focused on improving access to the Transcather Aortic Stenosis Implantation (TAVI) procedure!

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Patient Success Story: Getting Back on Course
April 13, 2018

Peter has been an avid golfer in his retirement years, but after he was diagnosed with aortic stenosis at 74 years old, the symptoms prevented him from playing his beloved sport. You might think heart surgery would have forced Peter to put his clubs away for good, but not for Peter.

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Heart Valve Disease Patients and Caregivers Invited to Share Experiences with Health Quality Ontario
March 13, 2018

Health Quality Ontario, the provincial advisor on the quality of health care in Ontario, is looking to speak with patients and caregivers who’ve had experience with narrowing of the aortic heart valve, or aortic stenosis.

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Heart Valve Voice Canada Launches on Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day
February 22, 2018

Heart Valve Voice Canada is proud to officially join its Heart Valve Voice counterparts around the world to provide a voice to Canadians affected by heart valve disease - and what better day to do so than today, Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day!

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