Study of NFL alumni cohort reveals the majority are suffering from heart disease without knowing it

Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW) announced the release of data from the HUDDLE study, which investigated the prevalence of heart disease and associated risk factors in National Football League (NFL) Alumni Association members and their families. The results of this study identified significant discrepancies between participants’ self-perceptions and the actual prevalence of heart disease and associated risk factors, and today the American College of Cardiology (ACC.24 /WCC) during the latest clinical trial session. ) was published at the same time. Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Results from the HUDDLE study showed that the prevalence of hypertension among the 498 participants screened was 83.8%, but only about half (46.5%) self-reported a history of hypertension. it was done. Of all participants who were screened and found to have elevated systolic blood pressure, a surprising 73.8% also had structural changes in the heart on transthoracic ultrasound (TTE).

“These alarming results are a call to action,” said Michael Amponsah, MD, ChB, FACC, an interventional cardiologist at Banner Boswell Medical Center in Peoria, Arizona. Consider a greater role for routine age-based screening, particularly the expanded use of echocardiograms to better identify undetected or undiagnosed heart disease and heart failure. ”

The HUDDLE study, which Edwards launched in 2021, aims to address the unrecognized prevalence of heart disease and associated risks, particularly among groups historically known to have disparities in access to care. The purpose was to investigate the factors. For example, more than 1 million patients worldwide have been treated with TAVR, and the treatment rate among African Americans, who make up about 14% of the U.S. population, has remained constant at about 4% over the past decade.

HUDDLE, conducted in eight U.S. cities in partnership with NFL Alumni Health, a subsidiary of the NFL Alumni Association, was a cross-sectional study of NFL alumni ages 50 and older and their families. Most participants were male (66.5%) and African American or Black (63%). Study participants self-reported their medical history and participated in heart health education and screening, including blood pressure, electrocardiogram (EKG), and echocardiogram.

“Edwards is committed to helping identify and remove barriers to access for underserved communities due to race, gender, and socioeconomic status.” said Larry Wood, corporate vice president and group president, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and Surgical Structural Heart. “In partnership with the NFL Alumni Association and through our unique network of former players, we are committed to understanding how heart disease impacts underserved populations and providing education, awareness and easy testing. We realized that we might be able to gain a deeper understanding of how tools can save lives,” both in these communities and across the country. ”

About Edwards Lifesciences

Edwards Lifesciences is a global leader in patient-centered innovation in structural heart disease and critical care monitoring. Driven by a passion for patients, we are dedicated to improving and enhancing lives through partnerships with clinicians and stakeholders across the global healthcare landscape. For more information, visit Edwards.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company intends that the forward-looking statements contained in this proxy statement will be subject to the safe harbor provisions of such laws. These forward-looking statements include “may,” “might,” “believe,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” and “should.” You may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as; “anticipate”, “plan”, “goal”, “continue”, “seek”, “intend”, “optimistic”, “aspire”, “confident”, and Other forms of these words include, but are not limited to: Statements by Mr. Wood regarding expected product benefits, patient outcomes, post-treatment relief from invasive procedures, objectives and expectations, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by the Company’s management that, while believed to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain and difficult to predict. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which they are made. . Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on numerous factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This may lead to significantly different results. These filings, along with important safety information about our products, are available on Edwards.com.

Edwards, Edwards Lifesciences, and the stylized E logo are trademarks of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Media Contact: Howard Wright, 949-250-2790

Investor Contact: Mark Wilterding, 949-250-6826

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240407981063/en/