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Listen to my heart

Heart valve disease (HVD) affects more than 1 in 10 Canadians over the age of 65, yet it often goes undetected.1

Your heart may be speaking—are you listening?

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Heart valve disease (HVD) affects more than 1 in 8 Canadians over the age of 75, yet it often goes undetected.2 The Listen to My Heart campaign is here to change that. We’re raising awareness about the importance of early detection and empowering Canadians to take control of their heart health.

This campaign is more than a message—it’s a movement. We’re helping seniors recognize the signs of HVD and start conversations with their doctors.

Heart valve disease 101

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Your age matters

The risk of heart valve disease increases with age, especially if you are over 65. More than 1 in 8 people age 75 and older are estimated to have moderate to severe heart valve disease.1

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Diet and exercise won’t stop it

Diet and exercise are great for your heart, but they won't stop heart valve disease. It's a progressive condition, meaning it only gets worse with time.

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You won’t see it coming

Heart valve disease can appear with no symptoms and may be confused with general signs of aging, making it hard to detect.

HVD impact

Low public awareness of AS

Low public awareness of AS

A staggering 97% of Canadians over 60 are unaware of Aortic Stenosis, the most common type of HVD.2 This highlights a critical information gap.

Projected HVD growth

Canadians over 65 projected to have HVD by 2040.3

The aging population means HVD cases are expected to rise significantly, making proactive strategies more important than ever.
1.5M Canadians over 65 projected to have HVD by 2040

Heart valve disease prevalence

1M Canadians affected by heart valve disease (HVD)
Canadians affected by heart valve disease (HVD). 2
13% Of individuals aged 75+ affected by HVD
Of individuals aged 75+ affected by HVD.4

This significant prevalence underscores the widespread nature of HVD, particularly among older Ontarians.

infographic annual morality vs survival

Mortality risk: Untreated severe AS

Untreated severe, symptomatic Aortic Stenosis carries a stark prognosis, with annual morality rates between 25% and 50%.6 Early intervention is crucial.
Reach out today

Learn about heart valve disease

Are you or a loved one at risk of heart valve disease? Answer these questions to get a personalized discussion guide to review with your doctor or care team.

Take our risk assessment quiz
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References

  1. Coffey, S., Cairns, B. J., & Iung, B. (2016). The modern epidemiology of heart valve disease. Heart, 102(1), 75–85. https://doi.org/10.1136/heartjnl-2014-307020
  2. Harding, E., Budig, K., Morris, T., et al. (2020). Heart valve disease: Working together to create a better patient journey. The Health Policy Partnership and Heart Valve Voice Canada.
  3. Harding, E., Budig, K., Morris, T., et al. (2020). Heart valve disease: Working together to create a better patient journey. The Health Policy Partnership and Heart Valve Voice Canada.
  4. Heart Valve Voice Canada. (2020, September 15). Low awareness of serious but treatable heart condition could be putting Canadian lives at risk. Retrieved from https://www.heartvalvevoice.ca/en/news/low-awareness-of-serious-but-treatable-heart-condition-could-be-putting-canadian-lives-at-risk
  5. Canadian Cardiovascular Society. (2025, February 6). The CCS celebrates recent passing of the Heart Valve Disease Awareness Act (Bill 66). Retrieved from https://ccs.ca/news/the-ccs-celebrates-recent-passing-of-the-heart-valve-disease-awareness-act-bill-66/
  6. American College of Cardiology. (2023, October 24). The mortality burden of untreated aortic stenosis. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Retrieved from https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/journal-scans/2023/10/23/16/01/the-mortality-burden-tct-2023