Contact: Nicole Napoli, nnapoli@acc.org, 202-375-6523

WASHINGTON, DC (Oct. 17, 2012) — The American College of Cardiology is searching for six individuals who are living well with heart disease to be featured on its redesigned CardioSmart website and inspire others to take charge of their heart health.

The "I Am CardioSmart" contest will honor individuals with one of six conditions: high blood pressure, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, congenital heart defect, previous heart attack or coronary artery disease. Each winner will be featured on the CardioSmart website and will receive a $100 iTunes gift card.

One grand prize winner will be selected from the six winners, based on the number of "likes" and comments each story receives on the CardioSmart Facebook page. The grand prize is a trip for two to San Francisco.

"Many patients are trying to live their lives to the fullest while battling heart disease and it is important that we celebrate their triumphs," said CardioSmart Chief Medical Expert JoAnne M. Foody, MD, FACC, medical director of the Cardiovascular Wellness Center and Pollin Cardiovascular Wellness Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. "Success stories provide positive models for others as they grapple with similar diagnoses and learn to build life-saving habits and constructive relationships with their doctors."

Winners will be selected based on their personal stories of living to the fullest while dealing with heart disease, including how they work with their doctors and care team to stay on top of their heart conditions, lifestyle changes made to improve heart health, challenges faced, their support system and their personal motto.

CardioSmart is the patient education and support program developed by the ACC. Its mission is to engage, inform and empower patients to better prepare them for participation in their own care.

To enter the "I Am CardioSmart" contest visit www.cardiosmart.org/iamcardiosmart.aspx. The entry deadline is Nov. 5.

To speak with Dr. Foody, contact Nicole Napoli at nnapoli@acc.org or 202-375-6523.

About the American College of Cardiology

The mission of the American College of Cardiology is to transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health. The College is a 40,000-member nonprofit medical society comprised of physicians, surgeons, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists and practice managers, that bestows credentials upon cardiovascular specialists who meet its stringent qualifications. The College is a leader in the formulation of health policy, standards and guidelines, and is a staunch supporter of cardiovascular research. The ACC provides professional education and operates national registries for the measurement and improvement of quality care. More information about the association is available online at http://www.cardiosource.org/ACC.

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