Bill Overview
Title: Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy Act
Description: This act addresses research, education, and awareness concerning valvular heart disease and its treatment. This disease is caused by damage to or disease affecting any valve that controls blood flow in the heart. The National Institutes of Health may conduct or support research on the disease in consultation with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The NHLBI must also conduct a workshop on mitral valve prolapse, which occurs when the valve between the chambers of the left side of the heart seals improperly. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must develop best practices to treat valvular heart disease. HHS may also carry out other projects to increase education and awareness of the disease.
Sponsors: Rep. Barr, Andy [R-KY-6]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals with or at risk for valvular heart disease
Estimated Size: 8000000
- Valvular heart disease affects millions globally, particularly older adults, as valvular issues often increase with age.
- The bill targets research advances for conditions affecting heart valves, which includes diseases like mitral valve prolapse.
- Due to the broad impact of heart diseases, advancements in treatment and awareness could potentially affect anyone with cardiac health concerns.
- By increasing research and awareness, the bill aims to improve preventative care methods and treatment, potentially affecting a large population with undiagnosed or early-stage valvular issues.
Reasoning
- Valvular heart disease predominantly affects the older adult population, but the educational aspect could also reach younger adults and those with familial predispositions to heart disease.
- Even though the policy doesn't directly provide healthcare but focuses on research and awareness, indirect improvements in health outcomes and quality of life are anticipated.
- The impact of this policy is not evenly distributed across the population; individuals with diagnosed valvular heart conditions or at high risk benefit the most.
- Considering the project's focus on awareness, some individuals without current heart valve issues might experience anxiety or concern, potentially affecting their wellbeing scores negatively if not addressed properly.
- Due to the budget constraints, immediate large-scale nationwide effects might be limited initially, with larger impacts visible several years into the policy's implementation.
Simulated Interviews
retired teacher (Florida)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am hopeful that the new research will bring better treatments.
- Awareness programs could help me manage my condition better.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
software engineer (Texas)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased education might help me understand what to watch for in terms of my health.
- I'm worried about my potential risk, so anything to mitigate this is welcome.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
nurse (California)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Awareness in the general public is necessary, especially in high-stress environments like hospitals.
- It's comforting to know there's more focus on heart disease research.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
fitness trainer (New York)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't see how this policy will directly affect my life since I'm already quite healthy.
- It's important research but perhaps not personally impactful.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
retired accountant (Ohio)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm anxious about my upcoming procedure, any advancements that could make subsequent treatments less invasive would be great.
- I often wish there was more information readily available about these conditions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
artist (Illinois)
Age: 45 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Knowing that more research and awareness are being developed is reassuring.
- I hope this can lead to innovations that could also tackle broader heart health issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
construction worker (Georgia)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any progress in understanding heart disease is beneficial for people like me.
- I hope this doesn't just become a lot of talking without real action.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
retired librarian (Missouri)
Age: 75 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm at a stage where treatment options are crucial, so any new research is an opportunity for me.
- I'm worried about how these policies might reach smaller towns.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
graduate student (Colorado)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am eager for advancements that can manage or potentially fix my condition before it worsens.
- Awareness and best practice guidelines are definitely needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
school principal (North Carolina)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Unless I'm directly affected, I don't see immediate benefits, but it's good that research is ongoing.
- I do believe this will help future generations and it's a necessary investment in health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $75000000 (Low: $65000000, High: $85000000)
Year 2: $76000000 (Low: $67000000, High: $86000000)
Year 3: $77000000 (Low: $69000000, High: $87000000)
Year 5: $79000000 (Low: $70000000, High: $89000000)
Year 10: $80000000 (Low: $71000000, High: $90000000)
Year 100: $85000000 (Low: $75000000, High: $95000000)
Key Considerations
- The aging US population could see a growing prevalence of valvular heart disease, increasing the importance of research and treatment development.
- Healthcare cost savings could be substantial if early detection and awareness reduce expensive late-stage treatments.
- Global trends in heart disease suggest that the US could benefit from being at the forefront of this research, influencing global health practices.