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Resources to Stay Heart Healthy

September 29, 2016   |   Alliance for Aging Research Team   |   Cardiovascular Disease, Heart Valve Disease

Today is a special day at the Alliance! It’s World Heart Day – a day to increase awareness and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Heart valve disease (HVD) is a cardiovascular disease that is often overlooked, but can result in serious problems if not treated correctly. Valve disease involves damage to one or more of the heart’s valves. While some types of the disease are not serious, others can lead to severe complications.

The potential for complications only increase with age. One in eight people age 75 and older are estimated to have moderate to severe HVD, but many are not aware of the disease. Through a recent survey, we found that more than two thirds of the respondents knew very little or nothing about HVD before their diagnosis. To raise awareness of valve disease, we have partnered with 29 other organizations to establish a National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day.

Nearly five million people are diagnosed with valve disease every year – some people are diagnosed at birth, while others develop damage throughout their lifetime. The good news: Valve disease can typically be treated with valve repair or replacement in patients.

If you are interested in valve disease, the Living with Valve Disease website contains a wealth of information that will help you stay informed and learn how others live with the disease – including a Financial Resources and Care Support Navigator.

Also, watch the short “pocket film” above on how aortic stenosis – a type of heart valve disease – affects older adults.

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