Highlights 

  • Edwards Lifesciences becomes founding sponsor of AHA Heart Valve Initiative. 
  • The initiative focuses on improving diagnosis, treatment, and hospital standards nationwide. 
  • The program expands Target: Aortic Stenosis and delivers educational resources for clinicians and patients. 

Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW) has announced its founding sponsorship of the American Heart Association’s Heart Valve Initiative, a nationwide effort to enhance care and outcomes for approximately 28 million people worldwide living with heart valve disease. In the U.S., valve disease contributes to over 60,000 deaths each year, frequently linked to delayed diagnosis or treatment. 

The initiative elevates valve disease as a core priority for the AHA by coordinating patient education, clinician training, systems of care, and quality improvement efforts to drive measurable outcomes in patient care. 

Key Objectives of the Heart Valve Initiative 

Building on the existing Target: Aortic Stenosis program, supported by Edwards, the Heart Valve Initiative will run over the next five years and focus on: 

  • Improving adherence to guideline-based care, starting with aortic stenosis. 
  • Expanding data collection to include asymptomatic and moderate aortic stenosis cases. 
  • Establishing a heart valve certification program for hospitals. 
  • Promoting public reporting and hospital recognition. 
  • Providing multimedia educational resources for clinicians and patients. 
  • Launching a national awareness campaign to encourage informed care decisions. 

Management Commentary 

Dan Lippis, corporate vice president, transcatheter aortic valve replacement at Edwards, commented: 
“For more than 65 years, Edwards has focused on advancing care for patients with structural heart disease through innovative therapies. We provide evidence demonstrating long-term patient outcomes and support physician training to understand the severity of valvular heart disease and close gaps in diagnosis and treatment. 

Despite decades of innovation and evidence on the benefits of aortic stenosis treatment, treatment access remains insufficient. This initiative with the American Heart Association addresses that gap. It reflects our shared urgency and builds on our legacy, helping clinicians recognize symptoms sooner, treat patients more efficiently, and save more lives.” 

About Edwards Lifesciences 

Edwards Lifesciences is a global leader in structural heart innovation, committed to improving patient outcomes through technology, evidence-based research, and partnerships with healthcare providers. The company develops therapies and educational programs designed to address gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and care for patients with valvular heart disease.