Key result
Only ~6% of older European adults correctly describe aortic valve stenosis.
Why the study?
Rising life expectancy is increasing heart valve disease prevalence, prompting evaluation of awareness, screening, and its potential impact on elderly daily activities.
Cross-Sectional (n=12,832)
Yes
Public awareness of heart valve disease and the frequency of routine physical auscultation in primary care remain very low among older European adults.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Low awareness of aortic stenosis supports targeted education efforts; leaves open effects on detection rates in older Europeans.
BACKGROUND: Rising life expectancy in the western population is increasing the prevalence of heart valve diseases (HVD). HYPOTHESIS: The level of awareness and initial screening for HVD should be sufficient. The potential impact of HVD on the daily activities of the elderly population in Europe might affect our society. METHODS AND RESULTS: A survey was conducted, including a total of 12 832 people aged ≥ 60 years in 11 European countries. Of all the people surveyed, 5.6% could correctly describe aortic valve stenosis. Most participants (75.0%) claimed they regularly do activities like sports or social activities, 29.2% provide care for a family member, friend or acquaintance. The majority (69.2%) would be prevented from doing these activities by symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue or shortness of breath. Having chest pain (76.5%) and shortness of breath (57.8%) were reasons for most people to arrange an appointment with their GP, whereas only 26.2% would visit a GP for fatigue. 67.6% of respondents claimed to be checked with a stethoscope by their GP occasionally, never, or only when they ask. The preferred treatment option for HVD is a keyhole procedure (45.8%), whereas open heart surgery would only be preferred by 7.0%. CONCLUSION: Knowledge about HVD is still low. Neither appointments with a GP driven by symptoms nor regular use of a stethoscope are a reliable guarantee for early diagnosis. With the over 60s in Europe playing an active role in social life, awareness campaigns and regular heart health checks may guarantee early diagnosis and treatment of HVD.
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Gaede et al. (2020) conducted a cross-sectional in Awareness of heart valve disease (n=12,832). Heart valve disease awareness survey was evaluated on Correct description of aortic valve stenosis. Only 5.6% of European adults aged 60 and older could correctly describe aortic valve stenosis, indicating persistently low public awareness of heart valve disease.
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