A FREE screening event is taking place for people to get checked for heart valve disease in Wangaratta on Friday, March 1 from 9am to 5pm.

Checks are taking place at Northeast Family Medicine, suite 1/90-100 Ovens Street and to book, scan the QR code.

Upon arrival, attendees will see a clinician for a heart valve screening via a questionnaire and stethoscope check.

If further investigation is required, participants will be referred on the day for further free testing, such as an echocardiogram.

The results from the screening events will be available to share with their regular GP.

Heart Valve Disease (HVD) is a health condition where the valves in your heart, which control blood flow, don’t work properly.

This can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and swelling in the legs.

Essentially, HVD makes it harder for your heart to pump blood effectively.

When left untreated, HVD can harm the heart’s valves, potentially causing heart failure, strokes, and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia).

However, timely detection and appropriate treatment can extend life expectancy and enhance the quality of life for those facing HVD.