NEW Australian data has revealed "alarmingly low" community awareness for heart valve disease (HVD), one of the country's leading causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
The research was presented by David Playford, the University of Notre Dame's Consultant Cardiologist, Cardiovascular Imaging Specialist, and Head of Cardiology, at the American College of Cardiology's (ACC) annual scientific session.
With more than half a million Australians living with HVD, there is a need for simple, cost-effective strategies to improve patient education, disease awareness, and community knowledge of when to seek a heart health check, Playford told delegates at the conference, which took place recently in Atlanta, Georgia.
"Given more than a quarter of a million Australians are unaware they are living with HVD, and with these figures projected to increase to 435,000 by 2051, this disease represents a serious, emerging public health issue, that warrants urgent attention," he said.
Only 14% of the 1,041 Australians aged 60 years and above who participated in the Australian population survey rated HVD as a major health concern, and only 17% were able to explain HVD, the Perth-based professor said.
Severe symptomatic aortic stenosis arising from HSV can cause death within two years without timely intervention.
"Early detection, and intervention are critical for curtailing the rising rates of undiagnosed HVD, particularly given common symptoms - especially exercise intolerance - are often misattributed to 'old age'," Playford explained.
"To prevent symptom and disease progression, untimely death, or sudden deterioration requiring hospital admission, a timely diagnosis of HVD is essential."
He went on to emphasise that regular health checks for people aged 60 years and above may help to achieve an early HVD diagnosis, while increased treatment would substantially reduce cardiovascular disease mortality.
"Fortunately, signs of HVD even before symptoms develop can be detected...during a routine GP visit," Playford added. JM
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