Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – As Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day approaches this Saturday, Dr. Kenan Yount, a cardiothoracic surgeon at UVA Health, joined Morning News to discuss the importance of early detection and treatment. Many people are unaware they have heart valve disease because it can be asymptomatic in its early stages. “Oftentimes, it’s asymptomatic when it first starts out, and sometimes the first time a patient becomes aware of it is at their annual physical exam,” said Dr. Yount. However, symptoms can develop over time, including fatigue, shortness of breath, and even chest pain. 

While lifestyle factors play a significant role in many heart conditions, Dr. Yount emphasized that heart valve disease is often sporadic. “It’s a little bit different than coronary artery disease where it’s heavily dependent on your genetics or your lifestyle,” he explained. The good news is that advancements in treatment have drastically improved outcomes. Just a decade ago, most valve replacements required open-heart surgery, but today, “90 to 95% of those replacements are done through the groin, and patients go home the next day,” Dr. Yount noted. 

Recovery and rehabilitation also play a key role in a patient’s journey. Many experience a gradual return to normal activities, with some even achieving impressive feats post-surgery. “We’ve had patients go on to do marathons after heart valve surgery—snowboard competitions, you name it,” Dr. Yount shared. As Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day approaches, the conversation serves as a reminder to prioritize heart health and seek medical evaluation for early detection. 

Listen here for the full conversation: