The “Heart” Facts Nearly one in three adults have heart disease. Heart disease is #1 killer in America. Nearly 2,400 Americans die each day—an average of one death every 37 seconds. If all forms of major heart disease were eliminated, life expectancy would increase by almost seven years. (Source: National Center for Health Statistics)

The Good News Advances in cardiology over the past decade have reduced heart-related deaths and illness by approximately 25%. From 1980–2002, heart disease-related deaths decreased by approximately 50% in men and women over 65.

Unfortunately, the current environment could set back the significant gains made by the cardiovascular community.

Cardiologist Shortage The number of cardiologists is expected to decrease significantly over the next 15 years. The number of Americans with heart disease is expected to increase 60% over that same period. It takes up to 14 years of training to become a board-certified cardiologist. Of general cardiologists, 43% are currently over the age of 55 and expected to retire in the next 20 years. If Michelangelo were sculpting today…

Practice Costs and Inflation Continue to Grow

The Straw That Breaks the Camel’s Back? Proposed Medicare cuts would restrict patient access to timely, life-saving care. No practice would be untouched by the drastic cuts. According to an ACC member poll, nearly 95% of cardiovascular practices would be forced to lay off staff and/or cut back on patient services.

Message to Congress Stop proposed Medicare cuts! Preserve my ability to see my cardiologist Protect my access to medical care. Prevent my doctor from having to reduce staff, services or close its doors.

Medicare Cuts Underscore the Need for Real Health Care Reform

Health Reform Should: Ensure access to affordable health care for all Americans; Include delivery and payment system reforms that reward the right care at the right time; Encourage partnership with patients; Improve care coordination (ie. from hospital to home, or practice to practice) Reduce legal and defensive medicine costs for physicians; and Focus on patient value – transparent, high quality, cost-effective and continuous care.

“We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” Thomas Jefferson, 1787

Patient Resources ACC Health Reform Information: qualityfirst.acc.org CardioSmart Patient Portal: Patient Action Site: / /