US Senators Introduce Bill to Accelerate Cardiovascular Disease Research

U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) have introduced bipartisan legislation, S.5469, The HEART Foundation Act, proposing the establishment of the Heart Security Foundation. This federally chartered non-profit entity, intended to operate out of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), aims to accelerate research into cardiovascular diseases, bolster prevention and early detection efforts, and improve health outcomes across all demographics in the United States.

ASANA Voices, an advocacy group that has championed the creation of such a foundation, welcomed the introduction of the bill. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for nearly one million deaths annually. Approximately 120 million American adults, nearly one-third of the population, live with some form of cardiovascular disease.

"The HEART Foundation Act offers a serious and practical framework for bringing additional resources into cardiovascular research while building on the scientific leadership of the NIH," said Prince Bhojwani, Founder and CEO of ASANA Voices. He emphasized that the initiative seeks to mobilize public, private, and philanthropic resources to enhance research efficacy.

The proposed Heart Security Foundation would support research across the full continuum of cardiovascular disease. This includes efforts to improve prevention and early detection, deepen the study of biomarkers and inherited conditions, diversify the scientific pathways receiving research support, strengthen collaboration among federal researchers, universities, healthcare institutions, philanthropies, and private sector partners, and more effectively move promising discoveries toward practical application.

The legislation reflects ASANA Voices' long-term approach to policy, focusing on investments in research, data, and institutions that drive lasting progress. Senators Tillis and Padilla have expressed their support for the initiative, highlighting its importance in improving public health and saving lives.