Washington, D.C.— The Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy (CAROL) Act was signed into law today. Last year, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) introduced this legislation in the House to honor the legacy of his wife, Carol Leavell Barr, who passed away tragically from sudden cardiac death brought on by mitral valve prolapse, an underlying heart condition that causes death in .2% of cases.
“I am excited to announce that today, the CAROL Act, my legislation in honor of my late wife Carol Leavell Barr was signed into law,” said Congressman Barr. “This bill unlocks critical funding through the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to further research on valvular heart disease to prevent countless other families from facing the same loss that my family did. I cannot thank enough all the many advocates who championed this bill to passage and enactment, and I am excited to see the impact this legislation has on countless families across the United States!”
“Thanks to Andy’s hard work and persistence, the CAROL Act was signed into law. The research authorized by this bill on valvular heart disease will save countless American lives and is a touching tribute to Carol Barr,” said House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. “Andy’s tenacity and determination continues to inspire all of us here in Congress.”
“History has been made – the CAROL Act has been signed into law thanks to the hard work of Andy Barr in memory of his late wife Carol,” said House Republican Whip Steve Scalise. “Valvular heart disease is rare, but it can be deadly. This bill will be a huge step in helping the thousands of women who suffer from this disease and invest in research and treatment towards saving lives. I am proud that Carol’s memory will be honored in such a significant way, and I want to applaud Andy for turning his personal tragedy into meaningful change.”
The CAROL Act was also endorsed by the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, WomenHeart, the Adult Congenital Heart Association, the Alliance for Aging Research American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, the American College of Emergency Physicians, the Association of Black Cardiologists, CardioVisual, Caregiver Action Network Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation (CCF), HealthyWomen, Heart Valve Voice US, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association, Medical Management Associates, Inc., Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association, the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, the Society for Women's Health, the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, StopAfib.org/American Foundation for Women's Health, Sustainable Cardiovascular Health Equity Development Alliance, The Marfan Foundation, The Mended Hearts. Inc., and the Women First Research Coalition.
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