The Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy Act (CAROL Act) introduced by Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) on Feb. 22 would authorize important funding for valvular heart disease (VHD) research and education. The ACC worked closely with Rep. Barr, along with WomenHeart and the American Heart Association, to help craft the final version of the bill, which honors Rep. Barr’s wife Carol who had mitral valve prolapse and died last year from sudden cardiac arrest.

Specifically, the legislation would authorize a grant program administered by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in support of VHD research and encourages the use of technological imaging and precision medicine to generate data on individuals with VHD. In addition, the legislation would convene a workshop of subject matter experts to identify research needs and opportunities and instructs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to create education and public awareness programs regarding symptoms of VHD and effective strategies for preventing sudden cardiac death. 

“The CAROL Act is a vital bill that will establish dedicated funding for life-saving research and critical education around cardiac valve disease,” said ACC Health Affairs Committee Chair Samuel O. Jones IV, MD, MPH, FACC. “We appreciate Congressman Barr working with the ACC and the rest of the cardiovascular disease community to not only shed light on valve disease, but taking tangible action that we believe will transform and improve heart health. We look forward to ongoing efforts as there is more work to be done.”

Clinical Topics: Arrhythmias and Clinical EP, Valvular Heart Disease, SCD/Ventricular Arrhythmias

Keywords: ACC Advocacy, American Heart Association, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart Valve Diseases, Cardiovascular System, Death, Sudden, Cardiac, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S., Heart Valves

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