Revolutionizing Aortic Stenosis Care: A New Initiative for Faster Diagnosis and Treatment
A groundbreaking initiative is set to transform the lives of individuals living with aortic stenosis (AS), a common yet often underdiagnosed heart valve condition. The American Heart Association (AHA) has launched a bold effort to accelerate diagnosis and treatment by boosting clinical trial participation and raising awareness among its nationwide network of hospitals and heart valve clinics.
Aortic stenosis, characterized by the narrowing of the aortic valve opening, severely restricts blood flow from the heart to the body. If left untreated, it can lead to heart failure and even death. The AHA, dedicated to a healthier future for all, is taking a proactive approach by expanding its support for patients with moderate AS.
"Aortic stenosis is a serious condition that often goes undiagnosed until it's too late," says Sreekanth Vemulapalli, M.D., the Association's volunteer project clinical leader and member of the Target: Aortic Stenosis Scientific Advisory Group. "This initiative will play a pivotal role in identifying eligible participants for clinical trials and advancing the care of those affected by this disease."
The initiative, supported by Kardigan, builds upon the success of the AHA's Target: Aortic Stenosis™ program. With over 2,200 patients already managed through the existing quality improvement network, the new effort aims to engage at least 40 hospitals and their affiliated heart valve clinics. This expansion will connect more individuals with research opportunities, promoting cutting-edge medical therapies and advancing guideline-based care.
Jay Edelberg, M.D., Ph.D., co-founder and chief medical officer of Kardigan, emphasizes the initiative's potential: "We're proud to support this initiative, as it will revolutionize the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. By improving access to clinical trials, we can accelerate innovation and ensure more people receive the diagnosis and treatment they need sooner."
As part of this initiative, the AHA will provide professional education, quality improvement tools, and site-level support to clinicians. This will enable them to better identify and refer eligible individuals for clinical trials. Additionally, a healthcare provider climate survey will explore barriers to trial enrollment, leading to solutions that increase participation in structural heart disease research.
The Target: Aortic Stenosis™ program is also supported by Edwards Lifesciences, further solidifying the commitment to improving aortic stenosis care.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in the fight against aortic stenosis, offering hope and improved outcomes for those affected by this condition.
