Understanding Heart Valve Disease

Introduction To The Module

Drivetime-Patient — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:00:00 +1000

In this module, we're going to be talking about heart valve disease, with a focus on aortic stenosis, a common type of valve condition.

Maybe you’re getting out of breath walking to the shops, or finding it harder to climb a flight of stairs without needing to stop, or you've been referred for tests and you're not sure what happens next.

Dr Robert Hungerford and Dr Matias Yudi introduce the module and explain what you’ll learn across the series. Together, they’ll guide you through the A to Z of aortic stenosis, using plain language and clear explanations to help you understand the condition, what to expect and the questions you may want to discuss with your healthcare team.

For further resources and show notes, visit the Drivetime-Patient website.

Creators & Guests

Dr Robert Hungerford - Host
Dr Matias Yudi - Guest

Please note, the information presented in this program is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition, or before making changes to your treatment.

How the Heart Works [1 of 10]

Drivetime-Patient — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:01:00 +1000

If time wasn’t an issue, these are some of the things doctors would love to explain in more detail, so you can really understand what’s going on inside your body.

In this unit, Dr Robert Hungerford and Dr Matias Yudi take you back to basics. They explain how the heart works as a pump, what your heart valves actually do and why they are so important for keeping blood flowing around your body.

You’ll learn where the aortic valve sits, what happens when a heart valve doesn’t open or close properly, and why understanding how a healthy heart works can make it much easier to understand what’s happening when something goes wrong.

For further resources and show notes, visit the Drivetime-Patient website.

Creators & Guests

Dr Robert Hungerford - Host
Dr Matias Yudi - Guest

When Valves Don’t Work - Why It Happens & Who’s at Risk [2 of 10]

Drivetime-Patient — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:02:00 +1000

You may be wondering, have I done something to put myself at risk? Is aortic stenosis unusual? Is it just part of getting older, or are some people more likely to develop it than others?

In this unit, Dr Robert Hungerford and Dr Matias Yudi explain what aortic stenosis is, what happens to the valve as it becomes narrowed and why the condition develops. They look at the role of ageing, other factors that can increase your risk and why some people are born with a valve that makes them more likely to develop aortic stenosis.

After listening, you’ll understand how common aortic stenosis is, whether it runs in families, and whether there’s anything you can do to reduce your risk.

For further resources and show notes, visit the Drivetime-Patient website.

Creators & Guests

Dr Robert Hungerford - Host
Dr Matias Yudi - Guest

Symptoms – Why You Might Feel Fine [3 of 10]

Drivetime-Patient — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:03:00 +1000

Aortic stenosis often develops slowly, which means you may not notice the symptoms at first. So how do you know if you’re simply getting older or if the changes you’re noticing could be a sign that something isn’t quite right?

In this unit, Dr Robert Hungerford and Dr Matias Yudi discuss the subtle changes that can be easy to dismiss, such as getting more breathless, slowing down or finding everyday activities harder than they used to be. They also explain why family and friends may sometimes notice these changes before you do.

What are the more noticeable symptoms to look out for? When you should speak to your GP, and why does recognising changes early matter?

For further resources and show notes, visit the Drivetime-Patient website.

Creators & Guests

Dr Robert Hungerford - Host
Dr Matias Yudi - Guest

Tests That Check the Heart & Who Should Be Checked [4 of 10]

Drivetime-Patient — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:04:00 +1000

Your GP thinks there may be something going on with your heart. What happens next? What tests might you need, who organises them, and what can they actually tell you?

In this unit, Dr Robert Hungerford and Dr Matias Yudi take you through the tests used to investigate heart valve disease, with a particular focus on the echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart. They explain why you might be referred for one, where the test is done, how to prepare and exactly what to expect when you get there.

They also explain what doctors can learn from an echocardiogram, how the results help determine whether aortic stenosis is mild, moderate or severe, and when further tests or follow-up may be needed.

For further resources and show notes, visit the Drivetime-Patient website.

Creators & Guests

Dr Robert Hungerford - Host
Dr Matias Yudi - Guest

If You’re Diagnosed - What Happens Next [5 of 10]

Drivetime-Patient — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:05:00 +1000

You’ve been diagnosed with aortic stenosis. So what happens now? Does having a diagnosis mean you need treatment straight away, or could your heart valve simply be monitored for a while?

In this unit, Dr Robert Hungerford and Dr Matias Yudi explain what happens after a diagnosis of aortic stenosis. They discuss why many people don’t need treatment straight away, what regular monitoring involves, how often you may need check-ups and echocardiograms, and what your doctors are watching for as the condition changes over time.

You’ll also hear why medicines can’t treat or reverse the narrowing of the valve, but may still be important for managing other heart and health conditions, the changes or symptoms you should report to your doctor, and why getting the timing of treatment right is so important.

For further resources and show notes, visit the Drivetime-Patient website.

Creators & Guests

Dr Robert Hungerford - Host
Dr Matias Yudi - Guest

What You Can Do Day to Day [6 of 10]

Drivetime-Patient — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:06:00 +1000

Looking after your cardiovascular health is important at any age, but particularly as we get older. So, what should you be doing day to day, and does having aortic stenosis change that?

In this unit, Dr Robert Hungerford and Dr Matias Yudi look at the everyday things you can do to support your heart health, with advice tailored to people living with heart valve disease and aortic stenosis. They discuss diet, exercise, sleep, smoking and alcohol, as well as the importance of managing things like blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and diabetes risk.

They also explain how much exercise may be appropriate at different stages of aortic stenosis, what changes you and your family should look out for, and when to speak to your GP or cardiologist.

For further resources and show notes, visit the Drivetime-Patient website.

Creators & Guests

Dr Robert Hungerford - Host
Dr Matias Yudi - Guest

Your Care Team - What the Heart Team Means [7 of 10]

Drivetime-Patient — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:07:00 +1000

If you have aortic stenosis, you may hear people talk about your ‘heart team’. But who is actually in that team, who will you see, and who makes the decisions about your care? And importantly, what say do you have?

In this unit, Dr Robert Hungerford and Dr Matias Yudi explain the different healthcare professionals who may be involved in your care, including your GP, cardiologist, interventional cardiologist, cardiac surgeon and heart valve coordinator. They explain how these specialists work together, how treatment recommendations are made and what the heart team approach means for you.

You’ll also hear about your role in those decisions, the choices you may have about where you receive care and why being treated by a team with experience in aortic stenosis can be important.

For further resources and show notes, visit the Drivetime-Patient website.

Creators & Guests

Dr Robert Hungerford - Host
Dr Matias Yudi - Guest

When Treatment Is Needed - and What the Options Are [8 of 10]

Drivetime-Patient — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:08:00 +1000

Aortic stenosis usually gets worse slowly over time, so how do you know when it’s time for treatment, and who makes that decision? In this unit, Dr Robert Hungerford and Dr Matias Yudi explain when treatment may be recommended and the different options available.

They take you through surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), explaining what happens during each procedure, how recovery differs and some of the factors your heart team will consider when recommending the most appropriate option for you.

You’ll also hear about the questions you may want to ask your cardiologist, including the risks and benefits of treatment, recovery, how long a replacement valve may last and how your own preferences can form part of the decision.

For further resources and show notes, visit the Drivetime-Patient website.

Creators & Guests

Dr Robert Hungerford - Host
Dr Matias Yudi - Guest

Looking Ahead - Life After Treatment [9 of 10]

Drivetime-Patient — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:09:00 +1000

What does life look like after treatment for aortic stenosis? In this unit, Dr Robert Hungerford and Dr Matias Yudi talk through recovery after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), including what you might expect in the days, weeks and months following treatment.

They discuss getting back to everyday activities, cardiac rehabilitation, ongoing follow-up and the checks used to make sure your new valve is working well. You’ll also hear about possible complications to look out for and how your medications may change after treatment.

For further resources and show notes, visit the Drivetime-Patient website.

Creators & Guests

Dr Robert Hungerford - Host
Dr Matias Yudi - Guest

When to Seek Help: Before or After Treatment [10 of 10]

Drivetime-Patient — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:10:00 +1000

How do you know what’s normal and when something needs medical attention? In this final unit, Dr Robert Hungerford and Dr Matias Yudi explain the symptoms and changes you shouldn’t ignore, both before and after treatment, and when you should seek help.

They discuss what to expect during recovery, who to contact if you notice a change, and why it’s important to listen to your body and raise concerns with your healthcare team. They also share practical tips for staying on top of your care, including keeping your medical information handy, knowing your key contacts and keeping up with follow-up appointments.

For further resources and show notes, visit the Drivetime-Patient website.

Creators & Guests

Dr Robert Hungerford - Host
Dr Matias Yudi - Guest