National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day Date in the current year: February 22, 2024

Heart valve disease, also known as valvular heart disease or simply valve disease, is a type of cardiovascular disease in which one or more of the four heart valves do not open or close properly. There are different types of valve disease depending on the valve or valves affected and the degree of severity; some are not serious, while others may result in major complications or even death if left untreated.

The two main processes associated with heart valve disease are stenosis and insufficiency (regurgitation). Stenosis is the process where a valve is unable to open fully, and as a result not enough blood flows to the heart. Regurgitation (insufficiency) is the process where a valve is unable to close completely, which results in blood flowing backwards into the heart.

The common causes of valve disease include damage, certain health conditions (infections, cardiovascular problems, lupus, Marfan syndrome, chronic kidney disease, etc.), and wear and tear. Congenital abnormalities (narrow, deformed or missing valves) account for a relatively small portions of all cases, whereas the most common cause is wear and tear caused by older age.

Although more than 11.5 million Americans are living with valve disease (and around 25,000 people die from it each year), 75% of Americans known little to nothing about the condition, its symptoms and risk factors. Most cases of valve disease can be successfully treated regardless of the patient’s age if diagnosed in a timely manner. The problem is, many people don’t know about the risk factors and symptoms of valve disease, and those affected by the disease often don’t seek help until it’s too late. This is why it is so important to raise valve disease awareness and encourage people of all ages to take better care of their cardiovascular health.

National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day is endorsed by the American Heart Association, a nonprofit organization focused on fostering appropriate cardiac care, educating people on healthy living, and funding cardiovascular medical research. The main goal of this awareness day is to educate Americans about heart valve disease and encourage them to pay closer attention to their cardiovascular health.

Valve Disease Day events are held by healthcare organizations, foundations, and other stakeholders throughout the United States. They include public lectures, seminars and webinars, symposiums, charity walks, free cardiovascular screenings, lunch receptions, and even rock concerts. You can observe the day by participating in one of these events, learning more about heart valve disease, committing to getting regular heart checkups, and spreading the word on social media with the hashtags #NationalHeartValveDiseaseAwarenessDay, #HeartValveDiseaseAwarenessDay and #ValveDiseaseDay.