The next cardiac epidemic: How medical technology advances and advocacy priorities are addressing heart valve disease

MedTech & Diagnostics News: Ahead of Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week, Tanya Hall, CEO of hearts4heart and Professor Dion Stub, Interventional Cardiologist at the Alfred Hospital and Western Health in Melbourne, joined Health Industry Hub to discuss ‘the next cardiac epidemic’.

“We see the same stubborn one in three patients with major valvular heart disease that are being missed,” stated Professor Stub, underscoring that this statistic holds true not only for Australia but also for other nations.

Ms Hall shed light on hearts4heart’s policy and advocacy priorities, including the pursuit of MBS listings and the development of a new report.

“Patient-driven reports like this one will help the collective ambition to achieve the best outcomes for patients and support national objectives related to our policies across Australia,” she stated.

Professor Stub, part of a multidisciplinary heart team at the Alfred in Melbourne, discussed best practice and existing inequities in accessing care. He highlighted the recent surgical and technology advancements that are enhancing outcomes for patients with heart valve disease.

“Transcatheter procedures represent a revolution in our approach to aortic stenosis. I expect over the next 5 to 10 years that will extend to other valve conditions,” he noted.

Addressing research gaps in heart valve disease, Professor Stub pondered the possibility of novel medicines preventing patients from progressing to severe valve disease, considering it the “Holy Grail” for the field.

Ms Hall acknowledged the shift towards recognising the value of the patient voice but emphasised the need for further improvement. She called for more collaboration and inclusivity in the cardiac community “where all stakeholders have a voice and a seat at the table, especially incorporating the patient’s voice.”

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