A bold new initiative is set to revolutionize the way we tackle aortic stenosis (AS), a common yet often overlooked heart valve condition. The American Heart Association is leading the charge, aiming to accelerate diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately save lives.
AS occurs when the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Left untreated, it can lead to devastating consequences, including heart failure and even death. But here's where it gets controversial: many people with AS remain undiagnosed until the disease has progressed significantly.
The American Heart Association, with its vision of a healthier world for all, is stepping up its support for patients with moderate AS. They're launching an ambitious project to raise awareness and improve access to clinical trials across their vast network of hospitals and heart valve clinics.
Dr. Sreekanth Vemulapalli, the Association's volunteer clinical leader and member of the Target: Aortic Stenosis Scientific Advisory Group, emphasizes the urgency: "Aortic stenosis is a serious condition, yet too often, people go undiagnosed until the disease progresses." He believes this initiative will not only identify more eligible participants for clinical trials but also shape the future of care for those affected by AS.
The initiative, backed by Kardigan, builds upon the established infrastructure of the Association's Target: Aortic Stenosis™ program. Already, over 2,200 people with moderate AS are being managed through this network. The new effort aims to engage at least 40 hospitals and their affiliated clinics, connecting more individuals with research opportunities and promoting cutting-edge medical therapies.
Jay Edelberg, M.D., Ph.D., co-founder and chief medical officer of Kardigan, shares his enthusiasm: "We're proud to support this initiative, which will help connect patients with moderate aortic stenosis to promising research opportunities. At Kardigan, we're on a mission to redefine cardiovascular care, moving beyond symptom management to where patients and their families need it most. Improving access to clinical trials is a crucial step towards this goal."
As part of this initiative, the Association will provide clinicians with professional education, quality improvement tools, and site-level support to better identify and refer eligible individuals for clinical trials. Additionally, a healthcare provider climate survey will explore barriers to trial enrollment, offering insights to increase participation in structural heart disease research.
The Target: Aortic Stenosis™ program also receives support from Edwards Lifesciences.
So, what do you think? Is this initiative a step in the right direction for cardiovascular research and patient care? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
