Medical Forum’s Clinical Director, Dr Joe Kosterich, caught up with clinical cardiologist Professor David Playford to discuss the prevalence, prevention, and treatment of Australian heart valve disease – a leading cause of mortality.
“Heart valve disease can mean any valve disease, including aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation, tricuspid valve disease and pulmonary valve disease,” Prof Playford highlighted.
“There is no single symptom that is unique to any particular heart disease, including heart valve diseases, but the most common symptom is breathlessness. The most important point though, is that most heart valve disease is asymptomatic particularly in the early stages, and only becomes symptomatic late in the course of the disease. We don’t want to wait until symptoms occur before we identify heart valve diseases.”
“Early diagnosis using echocardiography is critical to prevent heart failure or potential death, and so we recommend regular auscultation in older Australians at least once a year. Our research found that most patients have surprisingly low understanding of heart valve disease and don’t see it as a health concern. This means that GPs need to have a high index of suspicion, listen to the heart regularly, and refer patients with a murmur for investigation.”
------------
This podcast is exclusively for Australian medical practitioners. The content discussed is not appropriate for non-medical professionals. Please listen to our disclaimer provided at the end of the episode.
The information in this podcast is intended to be general information only and is no way intended to be medical advice, treatment or diagnoses. You acknowledge and agree that nothing in this product may be taken to be medical advice, treatment or a diagnosis by us or our podcast guests, nor are we or they intended to be a substitute for consulting a medical practitioner for your particular circumstances and needs. We do not accept any liability for injury, loss or damage incurred by the use of or reliance on the information provided in this podcast. This podcast may include the views or recommendations of third parties and does not necessarily reflect the views of Medical Forum - we assume no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, currency, or completeness of the information. If you require immediate medical attention, please contact 000 immediately or seek alternative and appropriate medical services.
