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Learn about heart valve disease

Are you or a loved one at risk of heart valve disease? Answer these questions to get a personalized discussion guide to review with your doctor or care team.

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What is Heart Valve Disease?

  • Most people aren’t familiar with heart disease. The heart consists of four chambers and four valves that keep blood moving in the right direction and prevent its backward flow. 
  • Heart Valve Disease (HVD) is a condition when any of your four heart valves either cannot open properly to let blood flow through or cannot close properly to prevent backflow of the blood.
  • By 2040, 1.5 million Canadians over 65 years of age will have HVD but good news is that earlier treatment can lower the risk of mortality in 1 in 10 patients. 1

Recognize the symptoms

Symptoms can be subtle. Ignoring them can be deadly. Get a checkup to keep up!
Many people do not notice any symptoms until their blood flow has been significantly reduced but remember that these symptoms are your heart’s way of telling you something is wrong:

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Light-headedness, dizziness or near fainting

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Irregular or rapid heartbeats

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Shortness of breath

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Tiredness/fatigue or weakness

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Edema – Swelling of the ankles and feet

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ANgina – Chest discomfort, pressure, or tightness

Since HVD symptoms are subtle, regular checkups are important. Don’t wait. Discuss any changes in your health with your doctor or care team today.

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Listen to your heart to recognize the symptoms of heart valve disease, no matter how subtle

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How to Talk to Your Doctor or Care Team

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Step 1

Book your appointment with your doctor or heart health team

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Step 3

Start tracking your symptoms with this easy Symptom Tracker and bring it with you to your appointment

References

  1. Institute of Health Economics. www.ihe.ca. Accessed June 1, 2023. https://www.ihe.ca/publications/heart-valve-disease-in-canada-recommended-components-for-a-national-strategy
  2. Aortic valve stenosis. Mayo Clinic. August 18, 2022. Accessed June 1, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aortic-stenosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353139#:~:text=Aortic%20valve%20stenosis%20%E2%80%94%20or%20aortic,the%20rest%20of%20the%20body.