HEART VALVE AWARENESS MONTH 2024
On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, we had the privilege of hosting Cardiologist, Dr. Ben Tyrrell and his team for Heart Valve Awareness Month.
It was a full house as over 50 members learned about Heart Valve disease and the amazing work that Cardiologists like Dr. Tyrell are doing to deal with this issue.
During the presentation, we learned that 13% of people over the age of 75 are living with heart valve disease and that heart valve disease is a treatable condition if diagnosed early. We also learned diagnosing heart valve disease starts with a simple stethoscope check. Your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to your heart for the characteristic heart “murmur” or “click-murmur” that is usually the first indication of a heart valve disorder.
STETHOSCOPE CHECKS AT WSAC
The highlight of the presentation was watching a video of an actual procedure as Dr Tyrrell explained the steps his team takes to do this procedure, all while the patient is awake! After the presentation, the 50 attendees each had the opportunity to meet with one of the cardiologists who listened to their hearts. We were surprised to find out that 5 of our attendees did in fact have a murmur or click murmur and will be following up with Dr Tyrrell ‘s team and their own physician about getting treatment!
Dr. Ben Tyrrell explains Heart Valve Disease
WSAC members had the opportunity to have a stethoscope check by local Cardiologists
Cardiologist Dr Ben Tyrrell and Dr Haidong Liang, Executive Director of the Westend Seniors Activity Centre
HEART VALVE DISEASE RESOURCES
- Heart Valve Voice Canada has been leading Canada’s national awareness campaign for the past five years and is proud to have the Canadian Cardiovascular Society as partner of the 2024 campaign.
- Heart valve disease is common, serious but treatable. Breathlessness, dizziness or fatigue are all signs you might have heart valve disease. But some people have no symptoms at all.
- A simple stethoscope check is the first step to detect heart valve disease. So a regular stethoscope check with a healthcare provider is a good idea.
So if you feel like something’s wrong, then listen to your heart!
Symptom Tracker
- The symptom tracker has been developed to help people who think they may have heart valve disease, or other cardiac conditions, prior to or during consultation periods with their doctor.
- It captures symptoms to help you and your doctor understand your health and assist with diagnosis and ongoing care planning.
Initial Consultation Guide
- This guide will help you prepare for an appointment with your doctor and support an efficient, informative, and helpful consultation.
- It outlines the types of questions your doctor may ask you during the consultation, as well as questions you’ll want to consider asking.
Shared decision making
- Shared decision-making means that doctors and patients collaborate to pick the best treatment. They consider what the patient wants, the patient’s goals, medical evidence, and the care team’s knowledge.
- These resources help people with heart valve disease take part in deciding their treatment.
7 Steps to Becoming an Empowered Patient
- Feeling empowered can give you strength and control over your life so that you can make the best decisions for your health.
- The 7 Steps to Becoming an Empowered Patient, developed by the Mended Hearts®, defines and explains each step.
- This resource will guide you to make the best decisions for yourself.
VISIT THE HEART VALVE VOICE CANADA’S WEBSITE
Heart valve disease is common and serious, but treatable. Knowing the symptoms to look out for and when you should see a healthcare provider are the best ways to detect and treat possible heart valve disease.
WE MADE THE NEWS!
Global TV was onhand to capture some of the highlights from the day
