The Heart Rhythm Society Visits Capitol Hill to Urge Lawmakers to Support Atrial Fibrillation Resolution

Washington, March 21, 2011 — Members of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the international leader in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, visited more than 35 congressional offices on Capitol Hill recently to raise visibility and support for a resolution promoting the awareness, diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF).

AF is a heart rhythm disorder that impacts the lives of approximately 2.5 million Americans each day with another 160,000 diagnosed each year. During AF, the atria (top chambers of the heart) beat as often as 300 times per minute — approximately four times faster than normal — while the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) are beating 100-150 times per minute. This irregular rhythm increases a person's risk of blood clots and strokes. Without treatment, AF can also cause a fast pulse rate for extended periods, which can weaken heart muscle over time and lead to heart failure. By 2050, projections show that 12.1 to 15.9 million Americans will be living with AF.

Douglas L. Packer, MD, FHRS, president of the Heart Rhythm Society, notes that due to the increasing number of Americans being diagnosed with AF, the country cannot afford to ignore its dangers.

"People living with AF are five times more likely to have a stroke than the general population, AF costs the U.S. healthcare system nearly $15.7 billion annually, and it negatively impacts the quality of life of our patients," said Packer. "We are asking Congress to support the AF Resolution to help the Heart Rhythm Society and our partner organizations educate more patients and physicians about the disorder; diagnose AF earlier, including in patients who find it hard to articulate what they are experiencing; and accelerate treatment to end unnecessary suffering."

While visiting Congressional offices, the HRS also sought co-sponsorship support for H.R. 5/S.218, the "Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2011." Staffers and lawmakers were asked to consider the medical liability reform models of California and Texas, which include limits on non-economic damages. Heart rhythm specialists told decision makers that these alternative models reduce incentives for defensive medicine and help to improve patient access to specialty care; particularly in rural and underserved areas.

The HRS also requested co-sponsorship support for H.R. 452, the "Medicare Decisions Accountability Act of 2011," a bill that would repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) included as part of the "Patient and Protection Affordable Care Act of 2011." The physicians relayed their concerns regarding IPAB, which, under its current design, they believe lacks clinical expertise and the research capacity to examine the national and regional effects of proposed recommendations that are needed to make sure patients are not unduly impacted.

"We are pleased with the outcomes of our meetings on Capitol Hill and look forward to working continually with Congress to make sure that the correct models are implemented to not only achieve fiscal responsibility, but also guarantee that patients have access to heart rhythm specialists for immediate and high-quality health care," stated Packer.