What is heart valve disease?
The heart valves are located at the “doorways” of the heart and have a critical role to play in ensuring the flow of blood through the heart. In a lifetime, these valves will open and close more than two billion times. As we age, our blood vessels lose elasticity and become stiff. Aging blood vessels can damage vital organs and place stress on heart valves.
Heart valve disease can cause many serious complications including heart failure, stroke, blood clots and heart rhythm abnormalities.
How many people have heart valve disease in Australia?
About half a million people have heart valve disease, with this figure projected to grow over the next three decades. That's more than a quarter of a million Australians who could be walking around with a condition that increases their risk of heart failure, stroke and other serious complications — and they don't even know it.
Symptoms of heart valve disease
Heart valve disease often develops gradually. You might notice breathlessness when exercising, unusual fatigue, or a feeling that your heart is fluttering. But many people dismiss these symptoms as a natural part of ageing. A heart murmur — an unusual sound heard through a stethoscope — is often the first clue.
What can you do?
If you haven't had your heart listened to recently, now is the time. This simple, non-invasive check takes just minutes and could literally save your life.
Video: Professor Tom Marwick talks about heart valve disease (41sec)