WASHINGTON, September 30, 2009 –American Heart Association advocates today urged their representatives in Congress to pass meaningful health reform legislation that will help prevent disease and expand access to affordable, quality care for the insured and uninsured.

The association supports measures that will make health care affordable, accessible and adequate for all Americans, particularly heart disease and stroke patients. Nearly 80 million Americans suffer from cardiovascular diseases and many cite cost as the reason they are uninsured. During the association’s health care reform Fly-In Lobby Day on Capitol Hill today, heart disease and stroke survivors told their personal stories to Congress to help influence the debate and call attention to the needs of patients and their loved ones.

“We can save more lives and improve quality of life with health care reform legislation that puts the needs of patients first,” said Clyde W. Yancy, M.D., American Heart Association President. “By promoting prevention, expanding access and using the best evidence-based treatments, we can help Americans reduce their risk factors for cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses.”

One-third of uninsured patients with cardiovascular disease report not getting essential medical care due to the cost and as a result, many experience a higher rate of death following a heart attack or stroke compared to those with insurance, Yancy added.

The association supports health care reform proposals that eliminate pre-existing conditions and annual or lifetime limits on covered benefits, apply out-of-pocket limits to out-of-network care and place a greater emphasis on preventive care. Visit www.americanheart.org/accesstocare  and www.heartsforhealthcare.org  for more information.

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Contact: Suzanne Ffolkes
                Director of Media Advocacy
                Phone: (202) 785-7929