US Senators Tillis and Padilla Propose Bill to Accelerate Research on Leading Cause of Death
Senators Thom Tillis and Alex Padilla have introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a Heart Security Foundation. The initiative aims to speed up research and improve prevention for cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death in the U.S.
U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) have introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a Heart Security Foundation. ASANA Voices, an advocacy group, welcomed the proposed bill which would charter a federally recognized, non-profit organization to be based at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The legislation aims to accelerate cardiovascular disease research, enhance prevention and early detection efforts, and improve health outcomes for Americans from diverse backgrounds. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming nearly one million lives annually. Approximately 120 million American adults live with some form of cardiovascular disease, representing nearly one-third of the population at higher risk.
Prince Bhojwani, founder and CEO of ASANA Voices, stated that the HEART Foundation Act builds on the research leadership of NIH and provides a rigorous framework to bring more resources to cardiovascular research. He emphasized the initiative reflects a broader principle of finding opportunities to advance the well-being of the nation by listening to and understanding community challenges.
The proposed foundation is expected to support research across the spectrum of cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment. This includes improving prevention and early detection, deepening research into biomarkers and genetic risk, diversifying scientific research directions, and strengthening collaboration between federal researchers, universities, healthcare organizations, philanthropic groups, and private sector partners. It also aims to more effectively translate promising research findings into practical applications.
Senator Tillis noted that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and stressed the need for continued research investment. Senator Padilla added that while all Americans deserve access to quality healthcare, many face barriers to preventing and treating heart disease. The proposed legislation seeks to mitigate the severe impact of heart disease and save lives.