Heart Valve Voice calls for annual stethoscope checks

Survey shows worryingly low levels receive this simple step in the detection of common heart disease in Cardiff

– Heart valve disease is a common and serious condition, often associated with ageing, yet many older people from Cardiff aren’t aware of it- Usually the first indication of a problem with the heart valves is a characteristic heart ‘murmur’ which can be heard using a stethoscope, but very few olderpeople from Cardiff receive stethoscope check at every GP visit (5.0%)1– Heart valve disease does not only impact individual quality of life but could also have a knock-on effect on society and the community healthcare burden, yet worryingly few older people from Cardiff would seek medical advice for some of the key symptoms

CARDIFF – 14 SEPTEMBER 2020 – New data, released to markHeart Valve Disease Awareness Week, reveal that a vast majority of older people from Cardiff (95%) remain unaware of the most common form of heart valve disease, a serious, but treatablecondition.1

More than half of patients with severe aortic stenosis – the most common form of heart valve disease – die within two years of developing symptoms, so early detection is important, throughidentifying symptoms and listening to the heart with a stethoscope.,Worryingly, stethoscope checks for older people at every visit to the General Practitioner (GP) in Cardiff is low and indicates a significant decrease since the survey was last conducted (2019: 5.0% 2017: 14.6%).1, Moreover, nearly two thirds (60.0%) of surveyed people from Cardiff report that they never, or only when they ask for it, have their heart checked by their GP.1

“Our older population  is a key, yet underestimated, contributor to the effective functioning of our communities, families and economies, so improving the awareness, diagnosis and treatment of heart valve disease will benefit us all,” commented Wil Woan, Global Heart Hub / Heart Valve Voice. “With many over 65s missing out on GP appointments this year due to delays or fears of contracting COVID, annual stethoscope checks moving forwards could really help the early detection of this common condition. If diagnosed and treated early patients, the vast majority of patients return to a good quality of life. Treatment options for heart valve disease will be crucial to dealing with any surge in referrals in the future.”

Senior people are crucial contributors to the modern global economy and our society. The survey reveals that they are an active group, 58.3% of whom regularly participate in voluntary, community-based, social or physical activities.1 However, over two thirds of Cardiff respondents claim that heart valve disease symptoms would prevent them from undertaking physical activities(53.3%), hobbies and interests (28.3%), or working/volunteering (23.3%), suggesting a significant impact on day-to-day life.1 In addition, the survey reveals key symptoms would prevent one in five older people (21.7%) from Cardiff caring for loved ones.1Increased awareness and early detection of heart valve disease is therefore not only important to patients, but also for those dependent on them, the local community and the wider economy. It is therefore important to cherish the elderly and the work they do.

Heart valve disease affects more than 1.5 million people in the UK over the age of 65 and it’s predicted that this number could double as the population ages. Yet, 95% of Cardiff respondents aren’t aware of aortic stenosis, the most common form of heart valve disease.1 As many people living with heart valve disease do not experience severe or noticeable symptoms, or simply put their symptoms down to ageing, diagnosis of the disease can be challenging. The survey highlights that only small numbers of older people from Cardiff will seek an appointment for harder to spot symptoms such as fatigue (35.0%), reduced physical activity (31.7%), and feeling older than your age (15.0%).1

“The senior population is a group at risk, and it is estimated that by the age of 75 one in eight people have heart valve disease,  so it is important that they are more aware of the disease and understand the severity of often hidden symptoms to help ensure early diagnosis and timely treatment. Worryingly, we have also seen fewer patients come in to get their heart checked as a result of COVID-19, despite social distancing measures being put in place so they can go ahead safely. This may mean that they are missing out on lifesaving procedures,” said Mr. Chris Young, Chairman of Heart Valve Voice, and cardiac surgeon at St. Thomas’ Hospital, London. “More work needs to be done to shift the awareness level and that is why this week, Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week, is a key step for improved patient outcomes.”

Heart valve disease is the name given to any malfunction or abnormality of one or more of the heart’s four valves, affecting the flow of blood through the heart 6. It is a common, serious, but treatable condition which is particularly associated with ageing. If diagnosed in a timely way, patients can return to a good quality of life, therefore early diagnosis is essential. The condition is usually caused by disease, wear or damage to the heart valve or valves.Key symptoms include chest tightness/pain, abnormal heart beats and shortness of breath.6

The current advice in place for patients concerned is to report any symptoms. Whilst there may be delays to appointments and treatments, urgent treatment for heart valve disease still needs to be undertaken and the right precautionary measures are in place.