Heart Valve Disease
Heart Valve Disease (HVD) occurs when one of the four heart valves cannot open properly to allow blood flow or cannot close properly to prevent the backflow of blood.1 If left untreated, HVD can cause heart failure, stroke, arrhythmia, blood clots, or death. But if detected early, a lot can be done to close the current care gap.
In 2022, the Institute of Health Economics (IHE) released a report that outlines recommendations for a national HVD strategy. Some of the key learnings from this paper include:
- HVD is the next epidemic responsible for an increasing burden on the Canadian health care system and society generally, but is treatable, if detected early.
- Patients with HVD are often underdiagnosed, undertreated, and referred for care too late.
- Awareness among people with HVD, providers, and decision-makers is needed to improve detection and care.
- Early detection is one of the greatest challenges.
Heart Valve Disease Working Group
In 2022, the CCS formed a HVD Working Group that is responsible for addressing gaps in HVD care. Over the next two years, the Working Group will focus on improving detection and surveillance of patients with HVD by:
- Raising awareness and educating providers and people living with HVD;
- Advocating for system-level improvements; and
- Researching under-detection and under-treatment.
The Working Group’s priorities were informed by the IHE’s 2022 report.
1 Sproule J, Bond K, Warkentin L, Guo B, Zuck N. Heart Valve Disease in Canada: Recommended Components for a National Strategy. Available at: https://www.ihe.ca/publications/heart-valve-disease-in-canada-recommended-components-for-a-national-strategy. Accessed on June 17, 2022.