Unfortunately many people in the U.S have heart valve defects or disease but do not show symptoms, and over 25,000 Americans die each year due to underdiagnoses and under-treatment of the condition. This hit close to home for my friend and colleague Rep. Andy Barr who unexpectedly lost his wife Carol last year who, at age 39, leaves behind two young daughters.
I’m proud to cosponsor H.R. 1193, the Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy Act (CAROL Act) to advance research and generate data on valvular heart disease to aid in the development of guidelines to identify and distinguish those with high risk of sudden cardiac death. Additionally, the bill will create a working group of subject matter experts to identify research needs and opportunities to develop prescriptive guidelines for treatment of patients with MVP.