What we’re working on and why: Medical Research

Fewer people are losing their lives because of heart disease and stroke than they were 70 years ago. There are many factors that impact heart and brain health, but new treatments to prevent, treat and manage these chronic diseases have had a significant impact.

Groundbreaking achievements in science and medicine have contributed to the reductions in heart disease and stroke over the last 70 years. Many of these advances have been supported by investments from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), the most prestigious and largest research entity in the world.

Now, federal funding for the NIH is in jeopardy.

Recent studies project that more than 60% of the U.S. population will be living with the challenges of heart disease by 2050. These studies also suggest that medical costs associated with heart disease will triple. Groundbreaking, innovative medical research can help us continue to see declines in the rates of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Funding the NIH will help continue and drive forward the promising research we’ll need to continue helping everyone live longer, healthier lives.

Over the past decades, Congress has consistently funded important medical research through the NIH, and they need to continue to do so now. Your federal representatives need to hear from you; ask them to make medical research a priority.