National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day

National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day is observed annually on February 22. The day is dedicated to increasing public knowledge about the risks, symptoms, and treatments associated with heart valve disorders. Because these conditions often progress silently, the day emphasizes the importance of early detection and the “Listen to Your Heart” campaign to encourage people to seek medical evaluations before serious complications occur.

History of National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day

The holiday was established in 2017 by the Alliance for Aging Research, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the universal human experience of aging and health. The founders recognized a significant gap in public awareness, noting that while many people understood general heart disease, very few were aware of the specific dangers posed by malfunctioning valves. By partnering with dozens of health organizations and professional societies, the Alliance successfully petitioned the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to list the date on the National Health Observances Calendar. ¹

The timing of the day was chosen to coincide with American Heart Month, leveraging existing national interest in cardiovascular health. Since its inception, the campaign has expanded globally, with hundreds of hospitals and advocacy groups using the date to host screening events and educational seminars. The historical focus of the movement has been particularly aimed at the aging population, as the prevalence of valve disease increases significantly in individuals over the age of 75, though the day now addresses congenital and infection-related valve issues across all age groups.

Why is National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day important?

This day is critical because heart valve disease affects more than 11 million Americans and millions more worldwide, yet many remain undiagnosed. When valves do not open or close properly, the heart must work harder to pump blood, which can lead to heart failure, stroke, and sudden cardiac arrest. By raising awareness of specific symptoms—such as shortness of breath and fatigue—the holiday helps prevent patients from dismissing these warning signs as merely “getting older.”

Furthermore, the observance highlights significant disparities in access to cardiac care. Data often shows that women and minority communities are diagnosed at later stages or receive less aggressive treatment for valve disorders. National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day provides a platform for advocacy groups to push for more equitable screening practices and to educate the public on the latest minimally invasive surgical options. Early intervention significantly improves survival rates and preserves the quality of life for those living with these conditions.

• A simple stethoscope exam can often detect the heart murmur that indicates valve issues.
• The day educates the public on the four valves: aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary.
• Awareness helps identify “silent” cases where the patient shows no obvious symptoms.
• It promotes the understanding that valve disease can be congenital or caused by infection.
• Promoting early diagnosis reduces the long-term economic burden on the healthcare system.

How to Observe National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day

Observing this day begins with a personal health audit and scheduling a check-up with a healthcare provider. During your appointment, specifically ask your doctor to listen to your heart with a stethoscope to check for any unusual sounds or murmurs. For those with a family history of heart issues or who have previously suffered from rheumatic fever or endocarditis, the day serves as a reminder to discuss more advanced diagnostic tools, such as an echocardiogram, with a specialist.

Public participation involves spreading life-saving information through social media using the official holiday hashtags to share infographics or personal survival stories. Many communities host “Walk with a Doc” events or virtual webinars where cardiologists explain the differences between valve stenosis and regurgitation. You can also observe the day by donating to research foundations that fund the development of new transcatheter therapies, which allow for valve repair and replacement without the need for traditional open-heart surgery.

• Schedule a physical exam and specifically ask for a heart murmur check.
• Share an educational video about valve disease symptoms on your social media.
• Learn about the “Listen to Your Heart” campaign and its mission.
• Wear red or heart-themed accessories to spark conversations about heart health.
• Encourage older family members to report any new dizziness or chest pressure to a doctor.

National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day Dates Table

1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/heart-valve-disease-resources/heart-valve-disease-awareness-day[↩]