NHS diagnostic pathways for heart valve disease are failing patients, with delays disproportionately affecting the most deprived areas of the UK hardest, a survey has shown. 

Results released to coincide with International Valve Week showed that 75% of patients in the most deprived postcode areas experienced diagnostic delays, this compared with 20.5% in the least deprived areas.

Wil Woan, executive director of Heart Valve Voice, the charity that commissioned the survey, told Medscape News UK that even in areas with better access to care, “too many patients are still falling through the cracks of outdated care pathways.” 

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/heart-valve-patients-face-dangerous-nhs-delays-2025a1000odd