National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day is observed on February 22, during American Heart Month, to raise awareness about the unique dangers and effects of the heart, improve diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately save more lives. Through education and outreach, we can reduce the number of individuals who, as a result of heart disease, lose their independence and capacity to participate in their lives — suffer arrhythmias, heart failure, and even death.
The background of National Heart Disease Awareness Day
Heart valve disease is a fatal condition that kills 25,000 Americans annually. Heart valve disease typically refers to a condition in which one or both heart valves fail to function. This day aims to increase awareness of symptoms, reduce adverse effects, enhance detection, boost treatment rates, and improve overall health outcomes.
The purpose of this day is to educate patients, carers, and the general public about heart valve disease in an effort to decrease the number of reported cases. In 2019, approximately 65 organisations observed National Heart Valve Disease Day, led by the Alliance for Aging Research. Among the participating partners were the National Council on Aging, Men’s Health Network, Northwestern Medicine, Women’s Heart Foundation, and WebMD.
In previous years, partners organised multiple events, such as social media campaigns and media advocacy efforts, to help raise awareness of the disease during this commemoration. Past celebrations have included an educational session on Capitol Hill, ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange, and programmes at heart and vascular centres, among others.
The American Heart Association (AHA) is another organisation that has fought against heart disease for nearly a century in an effort to save and improve lives. Since its inception, the AHA has grown to become the largest and oldest nonprofit organisation dedicated to preventing and treating heart disease.
Heart valve disease can be debilitating and fatal, but there are treatment options that can save lives; therefore, awareness and education are crucial. On this day and throughout the year, the campaign partners collaborate to raise awareness of valve disease.
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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT HEART DISEASE
- According to estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C. ), heart disease is responsible for more than one in four annual deaths in the United States.
- Approximately 40% of the population is unaware of heart valve disease, despite the fact that it affects over five million Americans.
- Research indicates that the 1203 B.C. death of Pharaoh Merenptah was due to atherosclerosis.
- Heart disease is one of the leading preventable causes of death in the United States.
- Symptoms of heart valve disease are frequently overlooked and attributed to normal ageing.
NATIONAL HEART VALVE DISEASE AWARENESS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 22 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | February 22 | Thursday |
| 2025 | February 22 | Saturday |
| 2026 | February 22 | Sunday |
| 2027 | February 22 | Monday |
