Nearly 12 Million Americans Have Heart Valve Disease, Yet 1 in 3 Don't Know It

New survey by Edwards Lifesciences reveals concerning lack of awareness about heart health

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A new survey conducted by Edwards Lifesciences has uncovered that nearly 12 million people in the US have heart valve disease, yet 1 in 3 older adults don't even know they have it. The survey explores how older adults often brush off concerning symptoms as "just aging" and fail to have proactive conversations with their doctors about their heart health. Experts Dr. Mark Russo and Dr. Michele Kalt share insights from the survey and emphasize the importance of getting screened for heart valve disease, even without symptoms, in order to preserve heart health as we age.

Why it matters

Heart valve failure is a dangerous form of heart disease that can be life-threatening if left untreated, yet many people are unaware they have it because it doesn't always present with obvious symptoms. This survey highlights the need to raise awareness about heart valve disease and encourage older adults to be more proactive about monitoring their heart health, even in the absence of noticeable symptoms.

The details

The survey found that many older adults associate common symptoms like breathlessness and rapid heart rate with normal aging, rather than potential signs of heart valve disease. It also revealed that people often have incorrect assumptions about the causes of heart issues, thinking poor diet and sedentary lifestyle are the main factors, when in reality heart valve failure can occur even in otherwise healthy individuals. The survey found that while some people are proactive about discussing heart health with their doctors, many avoid the topic due to fears or experiences of loved ones. Experts emphasize the importance of getting screened for heart valve disease, as it can progress silently without symptoms until it becomes life-threatening.

  • February is American Heart Month, with February 22nd designated as Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day.

The players

Edwards Lifesciences

An American medical device company that specializes in products for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring.

Dr. Mark Russo

An internationally recognized leader in heart valve disease and advanced cardiac surgery, serving as Chief of Cardiac Surgery, Professor of Surgery, and Director of Structural Heart Disease at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Dr. Michele Kalt

A Cardiologist and Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, as well as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. She is a television news spokesperson on Women's Heart Disease and sits on the board of Admissions for Sackler School of Medicine.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

This survey highlights the critical need to raise awareness about heart valve disease and encourage older adults to be proactive about monitoring their heart health, even in the absence of obvious symptoms. Getting screened can help detect and treat this potentially life-threatening condition before it becomes too late.