New Initiative Enhances Diagnosis and Treatment of Aortic Stenosis

A new initiative spearheaded by the American Heart Association aims to improve early diagnosis and treatment for individuals suffering from aortic stenosis (AS). This common yet frequently underdiagnosed heart valve condition is characterized by the narrowing of the aortic valve opening, which can severely restrict blood flow from the heart to the body. If left untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to serious complications, including heart failure and death.

Boosting Awareness and Participation

The initiative focuses on enhancing clinical trial participation and speeding up the diagnostic process for those with moderate AS. According to Sreekanth Vemulapalli, M.D., the project’s clinical leader and volunteer member of the Association’s Target: Aortic Stenosis Scientific Advisory Group, many patients remain undiagnosed until the disease progresses significantly. Dr. Vemulapalli, who is also an associate professor of medicine at Duke University, emphasized the importance of identifying eligible participants for clinical trials to help shape the future of care for individuals affected by this condition.

The initiative is supported by Kardigan and utilizes the established framework of the Association’s existing Target: Aortic Stenosis program. Currently, over 2,200 individuals with moderate AS are managed through the American Heart Association’s quality improvement network. The new effort aims to engage at least 40 hospitals and their associated heart valve clinics to broaden access to research opportunities and promote innovative medical therapies.

Connecting Patients with Research Opportunities

Dr. Jay Edelberg, co-founder and chief medical officer at Kardigan, stated, “We’re proud to support this American Heart Association initiative to help connect patients with moderate aortic stenosis to promising research opportunities.” He highlighted the mission to transform the treatment of cardiovascular diseases by focusing on innovative care rather than merely managing symptoms. By improving access to clinical trials, this initiative seeks to expedite the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

As part of the initiative, the American Heart Association will provide resources including professional education, quality improvement tools, and site-level support to assist healthcare providers in identifying and referring patients eligible for clinical trials. Additionally, a healthcare provider climate survey will assess barriers to trial enrollment and develop strategies to enhance participation in research concerning structural heart disease.

This comprehensive approach aims not only to elevate awareness regarding aortic stenosis but also to ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate care. With the potential to reshape treatment paradigms, this initiative could significantly impact the lives of those living with this serious condition.