Taking action for earlier detection and greater equity
Heart valve disease screening is essential to support earlier detection, improve public awareness, and reduce inequalities in access to care. Heart valve disease remains insufficiently recognized and is still too often diagnosed late. Through awareness, prevention, and screening initiatives, the Alain Cribier Institute works to improve public knowledge, promote timely medical consultation, and help more people access appropriate care before symptoms worsen.
Informing to prevent more effectively
Heart valve disease affects millions of people, yet remains widely misunderstood by the general public.
The Institut Alain Cribier leads public information initiatives to improve awareness of symptoms, encourage screening, and build collective understanding.
These actions aim to:
- Make information accessible to everyone
- Challenge misconceptions
- Encourage medical consultation when warning signs appear
- Establish heart valve disease as a public health priority
Heart murmur awareness day
A national milestone for awareness and screening
Heart Murmur Awareness Day is a flagship initiative led by the Institut Alain Cribier.
Its purpose is to raise public awareness of heart valve disease and offer accessible screening opportunities.
Organized in collaboration with healthcare professionals, patient organizations, and institutional partners, this event increases visibility for valve disease, encourages earlier diagnosis, and creates a nationwide moment for dialogue and prevention.
Awareness campaigns
As people age, the risk of heart valve disease increases, often without obvious early symptoms.
Our campaigns aim to improve awareness, identify warning signs sooner, and guide people toward appropriate testing when needed, helping reduce missed opportunities for care.
Warning signs not to ignore
- Unusual shortness of breath (during activity or at rest)
- New fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
- Dizziness, fainting, or unexplained falls
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeat sensations
- Swollen ankles or rapid weight gain (fluid retention)
How to participate / where to learn more
Find dates, locations, and details of our awareness activities, including events, information booths, and regional outreach programs.
You can also request updates on future campaigns or direct a loved one to appropriate resources.
Accompagner le repérage précoce
Les professionnels de premier recours jouent un rôle essentiel dans le repérage des maladies valvulaires. Pour les accompagner, l’Institut Alain Cribier met à disposition des brochures de dépistage destinées aux médecins généralistes et aux professionnels de santé de proximité.
Ces documents ont pour objectif de :
- mieux identifier les signes d’alerte,
- faciliter l’orientation vers une consultation spécialisée,
- renforcer la coordination entre la ville et l’hôpital,
- diffuser des repères pratiques et des bonnes pratiques de prise en charge.
Brochures de dépistage téléchargeables
Signaux d’alerte : quand consulter ?
Les symptômes à surveiller et les situations qui justifient un avis médical.
Dépistage des valvulopathies :
les examens clés
Souffle au cœur, échographie, examens complémentaires : à quoi s’attendre.
Guide pour les proches : accompagner au quotidien
Questions à poser, signes à observer, conseils pour mieux orienter et rassurer.
Collective action for public health
Through these initiatives, the Institut Alain Cribier reaffirms its commitment to active prevention, better public information, and more equitable access to care.