What screening should be part of every senior’s health checkup?

Older Americans over age 65 aren’t talking about heart valve health with their doctors — despite many receiving a new health diagnosis in the last year, according to a new national study.

The survey of 5,000 Americans who are 65+ from all 50 states also uncovered that nearly nine in ten seniors (89%) believe regular heart health screenings are important as they age, but 84% have never talked with their doctor about getting screened for severe aortic stenosis, also known as heart valve failure. Heart valve failure occurs when the aortic valve stiffens and fails to open properly due to severe calcium build up.