Valve Disease Day 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.

Heart valve disease can be present at birth or develop due to damage from previous heart conditions or infections. Age is the greatest risk factor for heart valve disease – one out of every 10 people aged 75+ have it. While some types are not serious, others can lead to major complications.

Symptoms of heart valve disease can include shortness of breath; weakness or dizziness; pain, tightness, or discomfort in the chest; fainting or feeling faint; fatigue; rapid or irregular heartbeat; light-headedness; decrease in exercise capacity; and swollen abdomen or ankles and feet. However, people with heart valve disease do not always have symptoms, even if their disease is severe. For these people, a heart murmur is the most important way to detect if the disease could be present.

The good news is that most heart valve disease cases can be successfully treated with valve repair or replacement in patients of all ages. This February 22, and throughout the year, HVV Canada is proud to participate in the Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day campaign. The campaign encourages you to Listen to Your Heart, know your risk factors, get your heart checked regularly, and join the movement to help spread the word and raise awareness.

Learn more at www.ValveDiseaseDay.org.