The Chambers of Faro, Lagoa, Lagos, Olhão, Portimão, Silves, Tavira and Vila do Bispo are promoting the “Hearts of Tomorrow” campaign with residents, with the aim of raising awareness of aortic stenosis, a disease that affects people over 70 years old.
In Baixo Alentejo, Odemira and Mértola are also supporting the campaign.
This initiative is promoted by the Portuguese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention (APIC), with the High Sponsorship of the Presidency of the Republic, and serves to mark World Grandparents' Day (26 July).
“Aortic stenosis is a disease of a heart valve that affects older people and, therefore, its symptoms (tiredness, chest pain, fainting) are often undervalued by the wrong association with aging. In this way, it is important to invest our efforts in recognizing the symptoms of the disease by the population, thus allowing for a faster diagnosis and referral of patients», says Lino Patrício, national coordinator of the “Hearts of Tomorrow” campaign.
The aorta is the main artery in our body that carries blood out of the heart. When blood leaves the heart it flows from the aortic valve to the aorta artery.
The aortic valve has the function of preventing the blood pumped by the heart from going back. In the presence of stenosis, the aortic valve does not open completely, it becomes narrower and this reduces the blood flow to the heart. If not detected early enough, this disease can greatly limit the quality of life and even have a lethal outcome.
The “Hearts of Tomorrow” campaign aims to increase knowledge and understanding about aortic stenosis, promoting its early diagnosis and treatment.
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The Portuguese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention, a non-profit organization, aims to study, research and promote scientific activities within the scope of medical, surgical, technological and organizational aspects of Cardiovascular Intervention.
Photo Credits: Depositphotos
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