The ACC-championed Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy (CAROL) Act unanimously passed through the U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 8. The bill now moves to the US Senate, where Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) have introduced a companion bill.

The CAROL Act led by Rep. Andy Barr (KY-06), was introduced to honor the legacy of his late-wife Eleanor “Carol” Leavell Barr, who passed away at 39-years-old from sudden cardiac death. It would make critical investments in research for valvular heart disease by authorizing a grant program administered by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). It would also instruct the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to increase public awareness regarding symptoms of valvular heart disease and effective strategies for preventing sudden cardiac death.

“With today’s vote, we are one step closer to pushing the CAROL Act across the finish line and enshrining Carol Barr’s legacy,” said Barr in a press statement.  “This bill delivers critical resources to close the gaps in understanding about valvular heart disease and save lives. I am grateful to the American Heart Association, WomenHeart, the American College of Cardiology and so many of my colleagues who supported this bill from the start.”

"The passage of the CAROL Act not only serves as a spark of hope for many cardiovascular patients, but will truly honor [Rep.] Barr's wife. The ACC is enormously thankful to the Congressman and his staff, and is proud to have played a role in the process,” said ACC Health Affairs Committee Chair Samuel O. Jones IV, MD, MPH, FACC. “More than 5 million Americans are diagnosed with valvular heart disease each year and this vital legislation helps spread awareness on a critical area of cardiovascular health. This legislation will make needed impacts on research and education to improve care for our patients.”

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

Keywords: ACC Advocacy, Death, Sudden, Cardiac, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S., Cardiology, Educational Personnel, Heart Valve Diseases, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (U.S.), American Heart Association

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