Heart valve disease awareness and symptoms

Heart valve diseases, or valvulopathies, occur when one of the heart's four valves fails to function correctly, preventing proper blood circulation. Common forms include aortic stenosis, where the valve becomes rigid, and mitral insufficiency, characterized by a leaking valve. These conditions become significantly more frequent in individuals over the age of 65 and 75.

If left untreated, severe valvulopathies can weaken the heart and lead to heart failure. Estimates based on European data suggest these diseases are associated with approximately one death every ten minutes in Europe.

Medical experts warn that these diseases are often silent and can remain undiagnosed for years. When symptoms do appear—such as shortness of breath, increased fatigue, reduced physical capacity, chest pain during exertion, or fainting—they are frequently dismissed as normal signs of aging. An Ipsos survey for Edwards Lifesciences found that only 9% of 60-to-80-year-olds in France report being well-acquainted with these diseases.