Nearly 44 percent of African American men and 48 percent of African American women have some form of cardiovascular disease, which includes Heart Valve Disease (HVD). Yet many of these men and women are not aware they have this condition.
HVD is a degenerative condition that keeps the heart from functioning properly – either due to a narrowing of the heart valve or a leaky valve, which both restrict blood flow within the heart. If left untreated, men and women with HVD are at risk of serious complications, including heart failure, stroke, heart rhythm abnormalities, blood clots and even death.
However, there is good news!
Learn about the signs, symptoms and treatment options for heart valve disease by visiting heart.org/heartvalves.
HVD is treatable and it is