Heart disease awareness charity hearts4heart has commissioned new Australian research that revealed Australians have a lack of awareness around the impact a symptoms of heart valve disease.
Although more than half a million Australians have heart valve disease the findings from the study revealed that only one-third of all Australians are aware of the disease and its impacts.
“If left undetected and untreated, heart valve disease can damage the heart’s valves and lead to heart failure, stroke, and an irregular heartbeat. These complications can have a significant toll on people’s quality of life and can also result in avoidable deaths,” said hearts4heart CEO and founder Tanya Hall.
“However, if heart valve disease is diagnosed early, it is treatable, and people with the disease can live a full and happy life, which is why during Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week, we are amplifying our efforts to ensure all Australians have the condition front of mind.”
A simple stethoscope check to identify a heart murmur can help to detect heart valve disease, which can lead to an earlier diagnosis, reduce the risk of complications and enhance quality of life.
“In too many cases the illness is undetected, undiagnosed, untreated, or treated too late. If left untreated, certain patients with aortic valve disease, with symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain, can die within 2 years of diagnosis, a prognosis that is worse than most cancers,” said Professor Dion Stub of Monash University and Interventional Cardiologist, Alfred Health.
As part of Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week 2024, hearts4heart is supporting heart screening events across the country to help Australians understand their risk of heart valve disease. The screening events will be available to all members of the public at select hospitals in NSW and VIC from 26 February to 7 March.
For more information on participating locations, visit hearts4heart.org.au/event/heart-valve-disease-awareness-week-february-26-march-3/
