The only way to diagnose heart valve failure (severe aortic stenosis), the deadliest form of heart valve disease, is through screening. Many people don’t get their heart valves screened until it’s too late. That’s because heart valve failure can be silent, but the consequences can be deadly.
How are you and your family?
The cause of heart valve failure varies from person to person. Review your health history and family history with your doctor and discuss whether you have any risk factors.
Are you over 65? Then you are at risk!
How do you sound?
Doctors are trained to listen to your heart for murmurs by using a stethoscope. A murmur may be the only clue that you have heart valve failure.
A murmur could be an “SOS” from the heart.
How do you feel?
Common symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness can make catching heart valve failure a real challenge. Do NOT dismiss these symptoms as normal signs of aging or other medical issues.
Feel something? Say something.
Let your doctor know how you’ve been feeling, no matter how minor something may seem.
If you have any of the risks or signs associated with heart valve failure, you need to ask for an echocardiogram.
It's a quick and easy way for your doctor to see if you have heart valve failure and if it's time to get treatment.
The best part?
An echo is:
The best best part?
As long as your echocardiogram is ordered by your doctor and deemed "medically necessary," Medicare Part B will cover the test. You may still be responsible for certain out-of-pocket costs, depending on your insurance plan.
Get the details on why heart valve screening is important.
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