‘Deeply concerning’ inequalities in NHS heart valve surgery, report finds

Female, black, Asian or less well-off patients are less likely to receive the life-saving procedure in England

Patients who are female, black, Asian or less well-off are significantly less likely to be offered heart valve surgery on the NHS in England, according to a report that experts say is deeply concerning".

People develop aortic stenosis when their aortic valve narrows as a result of calcium buildup, impeding normal blood flow. This causes shortness of breath, light headedness and chest pain.