(NewsUSA) - It’s practically Spring, and the outdoors is calling. “I’ll be back on my bike and celebrating the return of sunny weather,” says Todd Fishman, a long-time Louisville, Kentucky, resident and devoted bicycle enthusiast. “But this year,” he notes, “I’ll be far more diligent in protecting myself from the sun’s harmful UV rays.”  

Fishman, 57, says, “Biking is my escape – it gives me balance in my life.” But exposure to the sun took its toll on this outdoor enthusiast. Last year, Fishman was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma on his nose, but when his top-flight dermatologist recommended Mohs surgery, Fishman asked, can you guarantee I won’t have an ugly scar from the treatment? When the answer was no, Fishman did his own research and found a local dermatologist, Dr. Denise Dickinson, who offered a noninvasive alternative with a 99%+ cure rate with no surgery and no surgical scarring. 

“I avoided the pain, scarring and downtime that accompanies Mohs surgery by choosing the newer, nonsurgical treatment known as Image-Guided SRT, or the GentleCure experience. My doctor, using high-frequency dermal imaging technology to observe and precisely target the cancer cells, aimed and delivered low energy x-rays at the tumor. After a series of 15-minute sessions in her office, there was no evidence of skin cancer! This clearly was the better way to cure my cancer.” 

Fishman is not alone. More Americans are diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancer each year than all other cancer types combined. That’s more than 3.3 million people annually. Most cases result from sun exposure, the dangerous effects of which are cumulative over time, which explains why one-in-five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. Other factors that may mean you’re likely to get skin cancer include the use of tanning beds, a personal or family history of skin cancer, and having pale skin, red or fair hair, or blue or green eyes.   

“Albert Einstein,” Fishman notes, “said life is like riding a bicycle; to keep your balance, you must keep moving. He was so right, and thank goodness that my dermatologist is keeping up with effective new treatment options like the GentleCure experience.” 

For more information and to learn where the GentleCure experience is available, visit GentleCure.com. 

(NewsUSA) - Low back pain remains a leading cause of disability and missed time from work in the United States. However, an at-home traction device offers a path to relief, according to Dr. Jeff Fisher, an Irvine, California-based chiropractor with more than 30 years of experience. Dr. Fisher invented the Fisher Traction Neck Device after experiencing an acute spine-related sports injury. Several years later, he developed the Fisher Traction Low Back Device to help his wife and sons manage herniated discs at home.

Much of spinal pain is caused by the compression of spinal nerves from adjacent bones or disc bulges/hernias, Dr. Fisher says. This compression can stem from a long-term chronic condition, acute injury, or simply aging and gravity.

Traction is the most effective way to relax, stretch, and decompress the spine and surrounding muscles and ligaments of the neck and back, Dr. Fisher explains. His at-home device is engineered to work as follows:

-Safely separates bones to eliminate pain and restore function, so the body can heal naturally.

-Restores the natural curves of the neck and back.

-Gently induces hydration and motion into the spine with the use of the release strap.

Dr. Fisher’s series of YouTube videos explains how Fisher Traction reduces and often eliminates pain by relieving compression on the nerves. Traditionally, individuals seeking the benefits of traction therapy had to visit a health clinic frequently or risk hanging upside down in an expensive machine.

Fisher Traction allows patients to experience the benefits of traction at home. Use of the Fisher Traction device has been shown to relieve pain and discomfort, slow disc degeneration, elongate muscles, increase flexibility, and increase range of motion and mobility. Fisher says.

“The key to successful traction therapy is frequency,” says Dr. Fisher. “The more you do it, the more your body can return to normal,” he says. “But who has the time to go to a clinic three days a week?  I invented Fisher Traction to be lightweight and portable so you can use it anywhere, anytime.” 

To use a Fisher Traction device, secure the loop over a doorknob and lie down. Then simply feel the pull. “You’re using your own body weight, so very little strength is needed,” says Dr. Fisher. The device allows for customized user control and features premium latex tubing with a patented bungee technology that mimics natural muscle contraction.

Traction has been evaluated and examined in over 55 peer reviewed research studies and has been found to be effective in an assortment of physical conditions, with demonstrated improvements in neck and spinal health visibly seen on x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CT scans.

The recommended use for optimum results is 10-15 minutes a day for 21 consecutive days, followed by 3 times weekly for optimum long term spinal health.

For more information, visit fishertraction.com.

(NewsUSA) - La presión arterial alta, también conocida como hipertensión, es una epidemia creciente que afecta a la mitad de todos los estadounidenses. La presión arterial alta puede dañar órganos vitales como el corazón, el cerebro, los riñones y los ojos sin ninguna señal de advertencia. Si no se trata, también puede provocar problemas graves como dolor de pecho, ataques cardíacos e insuficiencia cardíaca, y aumenta el riesgo de accidente cerebrovascular y enfermedad renal crónica. Durante mucho tiempo, la única forma de tratar la presión arterial alta era mediante cambios en el estilo de vida, como dieta y ejercicio, o tomando medicamentos. Hoy en día, hay otro enfoque a considerar además de las modificaciones en el estilo de vida y los medicamentos. 

La Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos de EE.UU. aprobó recientemente un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo basado en un dispositivo que ofrece nuevas esperanzas a los millones de personas cuya presión arterial no ha sido controlada únicamente con medicamentos o cambios en el estilo de vida. Se ha demostrado que el procedimiento de presión arterial Medtronic Symplicity™ logra reducciones significativas, seguras y sostenidas de la presión arterial, marcando el comienzo de una nueva era para el tratamiento de la presión arterial alta en pacientes elegibles.

Muchas personas con presión arterial alta ya han experimentado resultados positivos con el procedimiento de presión arterial Symplicity, incluido Paul Griffin de Atlanta. La hipertensión de Paul comenzó cuando tenía 40 años y se prolongó durante unos 30 años, y durante mucho tiempo, Paul luchó por controlar su presión arterial alta. A pesar de que le recetaron varios medicamentos, su presión arterial permaneció descontrolada, lo que provocó un patrón frustrante de aumento de las dosis de medicamentos y efectos secundarios desagradables como cansancio y dolores de cabeza. Para Paul, esto afectó todos los aspectos de su vida, desde cantar con su cuarteto hasta pasar tiempo de calidad con su familia. La preocupación constante por su presión arterial y su salud general también afectó significativamente a Penny, la esposa de Paul, quien lo ayudó a realizar un seguimiento de sus medicamentos y de sus lecturas diarias de presión arterial. Necesitaba romper ese círculo y el procedimiento de presión arterial Symplicity le ofreció una nueva esperanza. 

Navegando el Tratamiento y Comprendiendo la Denervación Renal 

La presión arterial alta puede ser una lucha diaria importante y, para muchos pacientes, el problema puede pasar completamente desapercibido. Desesperado por encontrar una solución, Paul buscó opciones de tratamiento alternativas y se convirtió en su mayor promotor para encontrar un camino a seguir. No fue hasta que encontró un anuncio de prueba sobre el procedimiento de denervación renal que sintió una sensación de esperanza. Después de investigar un poco, le habló del ensayo a su médico y le preguntó si sería un candidato elegible. El procedimiento de denervación renal, también conocido como procedimiento de presión arterial Symplicity, ofreció a Paul otra alternativa con el potencial de controlar de forma segura y eficaz su presión arterial alta, y los resultados tuvieron un impacto significativo en su calidad de vida. Si bien la experiencia de Paul puede no ser la misma para todos, experimentó una caída en la presión arterial por primera vez en años, la reducción de algunos de sus medicamentos para la presión arterial alta y una esperanza revitalizada para el futuro del control de su presión arterial.* 

El procedimiento mínimamente invasivo de presión arterial Symplicity implica que un médico inserte un tubo delgado en una arteria de la pierna y use energía para calmar los nervios hiperactivos que rodean los riñones, lo que puede contribuir a la presión arterial alta. Luego se retira el tubo, sin dejar ningún implante. El procedimiento funciona complementando medicamentos y cambios en el estilo de vida, para que los pacientes puedan continuar controlando su presión arterial. 

Una Nueva Era en Soluciones Para la Presión Arterial Alta  

La aprobación del procedimiento de presión arterial Medtronic Symplicity significa un paso crucial hacia adelante en la batalla global contra la presión arterial alta. La historia de éxito de Paul Griffin destaca el impacto en el mundo real de esta tecnología innovadora, ofreciendo un posible momento decisivo para millones de estadounidenses que luchan por controlar sus números de presión arterial. 

Si usted o un ser querido padece presión arterial alta, consulte a su médico para explorar los posibles beneficios de este procedimiento revolucionario o visite beyondHBP.com para obtener más información.

*Los resultados de cada paciente varían. 

(NewsUSA) - In the ongoing battle against COVID-19, vaccines have been successful in helping to reduce illness and contributing to the declining numbers of infections in the U.S. and around the world. But COVID-19 is not gone, and it remains a significant threat. Those with weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses and other risk factors are particularly vulnerable to severe illness from the virus.

While vaccines are still the best first defense against COVID-19, antiviral treatments have emerged as another powerful tool to help fight the virus and protect those who face greater risk of severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19.

Who’s at Risk?

Millions of Americans face a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19, and many may not even know it. Being age 50 or over, or having a host of common health conditions including cancer, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and weakened immune systems can make someone more likely to experience severe COVID-19 symptoms.

Treatments Are Available

The good news is that, for many of those at high risk who become infected with COVID-19 and have mild to moderate symptoms, antivirals can be a safe and effective treatment option. Antivirals work by helping to stop the virus from making copies of itself. This can help limit the spread of the virus inside the body — minimizing the severity of symptoms and the duration of the illness.

The need for speed is a fundamental principle underlying antiviral treatments for COVID-19. When someone at high risk becomes infected with COVID-19, the virus can spread rapidly within their body, which can cause severe respiratory problems and complications. This is where antiviral treatments may be able to help. Treatment with COVID-19 antivirals is most effective if it starts within the first five to seven days that the first COVID-19 symptoms appear.

But antivirals are not for everyone. They are not recommended for people who are younger, healthy and not at high risk of getting severely ill due to COVID-19, and there are certain health conditions and medications that are known to cause adverse reactions with antiviral treatments. Talk with a healthcare provider to know if an antiviral treatment is an option.

Plan Ahead

For anyone at high risk for severe COVID-19, acting quickly when infection happens, and planning ahead will be key to getting the treatment they may need. Begin by planning:

• Making a list of current medications,
• Talking with a healthcare provider to understand the risk for severe COVID-19 and discuss potential treatment options, and
• Creating a plan to get tested and begin treatment at the first sign of a COVID-19 infection and before the 5–7-day window of opportunity closes.

Why Speed Matters

• Stop the Virus from Multiplying: The earlier someone starts antiviral treatment, the better chance they have to lower the level of virus in their body, which can make a difference in their recovery.
• Minimize Severe Symptoms: Quick action can help prevent mild symptoms from turning severe – potentially preventing a hospital stay.
• Limit the Impact of COVID-19 on Your Life: Speedy treatment can shorten the time you are sick, easing the burden of the virus on your life and getting you back to usual.
• Helping to Protect Others: High-risk individuals not only face danger themselves but can also unknowingly spread the virus to others. Rapid treatment helps break the chain of transmission.

Remember, timing matters in reducing the risks of COVID-19 and planning ahead can make the difference in the lives of those most vulnerable.

Visit covidvaccineproject.org/treatments to make a plan for yourself or someone that matters to you today.

(NewsUSA) - Conozca a Julia García, una mujer de 74 años, amada esposa y cariñosa abuela de varios nietos. Su vida ha estado profundamente marcada por su inquebrantable dedicación y afecto al trabajo con niños. Sin embargo, la vida de Julia dio un giro inesperado cuando empezó a experimentar síntomas preocupantes. Le costaba caminar, la fatiga era constante, levantar objetos pesados se convirtió en un reto y los mareos se hicieron demasiado familiares.

Preocupada por estos síntomas, Julia no tardó en buscar atención médica. A pesar de las múltiples consultas que la llevaron a puntos muertos y a varios diagnósticos erróneos, su perseverancia dio sus frutos cuando finalmente fue remitida a un cardiólogo. Tras un examen exhaustivo, el cardiólogo hizo un descubrimiento importante: la válvula aórtica de Julia, la principal válvula que controla el flujo de sangre que sale del corazón y suministra sangre oxigenada al sistema circulatorio, estaba gravemente dañada y casi cerrada. Esta valvulopatía cardiaca tan común se denomina estenosis aórtica y puede ser mortal si no se trata.

"Cuando empecé a sentir todos estos síntomas fue cuando me di cuenta de que no podía hacer las cosas que más me gustaban", dice Julia. "Estaba dispuesta a ir a donde fuera para recibir el tratamiento que necesitaba para volver a sentirme sana".

Tras evaluar sus opciones de tratamiento con su médico, Jorge A. Álvarez MD, Julia optó por someterse a una sustitución valvular aórtica transcatéter (TAVR), un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo para sustituir su válvula aórtica. El TAVR es menos invasivo que la cirugía a corazón abierto y suele durar menos de una hora.

"Tras consultar con Julia, llegamos a la conclusión de que el TAVR sería lo más adecuado para ella", afirma el Dr. Álvarez. "Confío en que, con el tiempo, podrá resumir todas las actividades que le gustan".

La estenosis aórtica es una de las cardiopatías valvulares más frecuentes y sigue aumentando con la edad.1 La estenosis aórtica grave sintomática puede ser mortal si no se trata. En Estados Unidos, las minorías raciales están infrarrepresentadas entre los pacientes sometidos a TAVR, y las estadísticas muestran que sólo el 3,4% de los hispanos se someten a esta intervención.2 La historia de Julia es un ejemplo inspirador de persistencia y defensa de sus derechos. Con el apoyo inquebrantable de su familia y de su equipo cardiológico, logró obtener el diagnóstico y el tratamiento correctos, lo que es especialmente digno de mención en un momento en el que los grupos raciales y étnicos minoritarios siguen estando infrarrepresentados entre los pacientes que se someten a TAVR.2 Su experiencia revela la importancia de concienciar sobre la estenosis aórtica y de garantizar un acceso equitativo a los procedimientos que salvan vidas para todas las comunidades.

¿Qué es la estenosis aórtica?

La estenosis aórtica grave impide que las valvas de la válvula aórtica se abran y cierren correctamente. Esto hace que el corazón tenga que trabajar más para bombear sangre al resto del cuerpo. Una válvula enferma afecta a su salud y limita sus actividades cotidianas.

Los síntomas de la estenosis aórtica grave son, entre otros

• Dolor en el pecho
• Mareos
• Fatiga
• Dificultad para respirar
• Latidos irregulares

¿Quién está en riesgo?

La estenosis aórtica afecta predominantemente a la población de edad avanzada debido a la cicatrización y a la acumulación de calcio en la cúspide (aleta o pliegue) de la válvula.1

¿Qué es el TAVR?

El TAVR es un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo para sustituir la válvula aórtica en pacientes con estenosis aórtica grave. El TAVR es menos invasivo que la cirugía a corazón abierto, y la intervención suele durar alrededor de una hora. Su equipo cardiológico determinará si debe recibir un sedante suave o anestesia general.

¿Cuáles son los beneficios de la TAVR?

Tras la intervención, muchos pacientes de TAVR informan de beneficios como:

• Tener más energía
• Respirar con normalidad
• Sentir menos dolor
• Sentir menos síntomas
• Sentirse menos ansioso
• La mayoría de los pacientes se pueden cuidar mejor de sí mismos y regresar a sus actividades cotidianas.

¿Cuáles son los riesgos del TAVR?

Los riesgos de la TAVR pueden incluir, pero no limitarse a muerte, ataques de apoplejía, daños en las arterias, hemorragias y necesidad de un marcapasos permanente.

Si usted o un ser querido tienen preguntas sobre el TAVR u otros dispositivos cardíacos implantados, visite www.medtronic.com/TAVR.

(Diane Mulligan) - Lung cancer is the deadliest of all major cancers, with Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) patients having a significantly lower survival rate than non-small cell lung cancer patients (NSCLC).

In 2012, the National Cancer Institute identified SCLC as a top priority. More targeted and personalized treatments are expected to be released soon. There are also many clinical trials focusing on SCLC. The new research is leading to new treatments and new hope, which can't come quickly enough for SCLC patients.

SCLC is different from NSCLC, which is the most common form of lung cancer. It is the most aggressive form of lung cancer and the one most closely associated with smokers. The SCLC tumors morph as they try to survive. They change their form, trying to hide from the current treatment.

Lung cancer researchers are now focused on treatments that target specific tumors.

Dr. Triparna Sen, Associate Professor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Health System says, “Do we have targets? Yes, we do have targets. Do they look promising? Yes, they do look promising. It will not be one size fits all.”

Most SCLC patients are treated with chemotherapy, but there have been recent advances in using immunotherapy along with chemotherapy. Patients who have finished their initial treatment now have new options and should talk to their doctor about new treatments being researched in clinical trials. In most of these trials, one set of patients receives the latest approved treatment while the other set receives the treatment being researched.

According to Lung Cancer Foundation of America Founder Kim Norris, “These clinical trials are where patients are getting the gold standard of care. They may be receiving the treatments of tomorrow, today.”

It was only last year when the first SCLC treatment breakthrough was announced. Then researchers identified a subset of SCLC patients who appear to respond to drugs that are already proven cancer fighters; the proteins in the tumors of these patients make them more receptive to targeted therapies.

The Lung Cancer Foundation of America provides initial funding to young investigators who are studying all types of lung cancer. The group was organized after the co-founder, Kim Norris, realized that although it was the deadliest of all the major cancers, lung cancer received the least amount of federal funding in relation to other major cancers.

Norris says, “It’s that funding that allows the best and brightest young investigators to choose to study lung cancer.”

To find out the latest on lung cancer research and how you can help, you can go to lcfamerica.org.

Above image: Dr. Triparna Sen, Associate Professor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Health System

(Diane Mulligan) - Lung cancer is the deadliest of all major cancers, with Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) patients having a significantly lower survival rate than non-small cell lung cancer patients (NSCLC).

In 2012, the National Cancer Institute identified SCLC as a top priority. More targeted and personalized treatments are expected to be released soon. There are also many clinical trials focusing on SCLC. The new research is leading to new treatments and new hope, which can't come quickly enough for SCLC patients.

SCLC is different from NSCLC, which is the most common form of lung cancer. It is the most aggressive form of lung cancer and the one most closely associated with smokers. The SCLC tumors morph as they try to survive. They change their form, trying to hide from the current treatment.

Lung cancer researchers are now focused on treatments that target specific tumors.

Dr. Triparna Sen, Associate Professor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Health System says, “Do we have targets? Yes, we do have targets. Do they look promising? Yes, they do look promising. It will not be one size fits all.”

Most SCLC patients are treated with chemotherapy, but there have been recent advances in using immunotherapy along with chemotherapy. Patients who have finished their initial treatment now have new options and should talk to their doctor about new treatments being researched in clinical trials. In most of these trials, one set of patients receives the latest approved treatment while the other set receives the treatment being researched.

According to Lung Cancer Foundation of America Founder Kim Norris, “These clinical trials are where patients are getting the gold standard of care. They may be receiving the treatments of tomorrow, today.”

It was only last year when the first SCLC treatment breakthrough was announced. Then researchers identified a subset of SCLC patients who appear to respond to drugs that are already proven cancer fighters; the proteins in the tumors of these patients make them more receptive to targeted therapies.

The Lung Cancer Foundation of America provides initial funding to young investigators who are studying all types of lung cancer. The group was organized after the co-founder, Kim Norris, realized that although it was the deadliest of all the major cancers, lung cancer received the least amount of federal funding in relation to other major cancers.

Norris says, “It’s that funding that allows the best and brightest young investigators to choose to study lung cancer.”

To find out the latest on lung cancer research and how you can help, you can go to lcfamerica.org.

Above image: Dr. Triparna Sen, Associate Professor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Health System

(NewsUSA) - By the time you read this article, three people will have had a stroke and one will die. Stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability in the United States, impacting nearly 800,000 people each year, with a quarter experiencing another stroke within five years. Despite the prevalence of stroke, 80% are preventable with a combination of medication and healthy habits.

This May, during National Stroke Awareness Month, knowing the signs, symptoms and treatment options are key to getting the care needed quickly and potentially preventing another stroke in the future.

Signs & Symptoms

During a stroke, every second counts as 1.9 million brain cells are lost every minute. Receiving treatment quickly can reduce the brain damage caused by stroke. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help you BE-FASTER!

• Balance: Sudden loss of balance
• Eyes: Sudden blurry or loss of vision
• Face: Sudden numbness, one side drooping – can you smile?
• Arms: Sudden weakness in arms - can you raise both arms?
• Speech: Slurred or mumbling speech
• Time: Call 911 immediately
• Emergency Response: Get to the ER by ambulance. They know what to do FASTER!

High blood pressure, heart disease, atrial fibrillation (AFib), diabetes and smoking are all risk factors for stroke.

Preventing a Second Stroke

In the U.S., more than 2,000 people each day have a stroke, and one in four are recurrent strokes. While treatment plans vary, long-term heart monitoring can be a helpful tool in identifying underlying risk factors, such as AFib, which is often asymptomatic and can significantly increase the risk of stroke. In fact, clinical studies have found that, in more than 78% of stroke survivors, AFib would go undetected if monitored for only 30 days.

Yet, findings from a recent sampling of real-world stroke survivors released by the patient advocacy group United Stroke Alliance, with support from Medtronic, found nearly half (43%) of stroke survivors did not receive any form of heart monitoring, potentially leaving them vulnerable to a second stroke.  One-third of stroke survivors received some form of short-term heart monitoring, while only 6% were given an insertable heart monitor for long-term, continuous monitoring.

During National Stroke Awareness Month, visit Unitedstrokealliance.org for more information and resources from the United Stroke Alliance, and to learn more about the connection between AFib and stroke, as well as long-term heart monitoring, visit medtronic.com/StopStroke.

(NewsUSA) - Cardiovascular Disease including stroke remains a leading cause of death in the United States and is the number one cause of death in women, according to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association.

In addition, recent research shows that women suffer more activity limitations, greater depression, and worse health-related quality of life after a stroke compared to men.

Prompt identification and immediate treatment may prevent death from stroke and may minimize the long-term effects and potential for disability. During this month of May, when we recognize Mother’s Day and American Stroke Month, the ASA encourages everyone to know the warning signs of stroke.

The acronym F.A.S.T. makes it easier to spot a stroke quickly.

F-face drooping. If you see someone’s face drooping on one side, or if they say it feels numb, ask them to smile, and notice if the smile is uneven.

A-arm weakness. If someone says their arm is weak or acts as if it is numb, ask them to raise both arms, and take note if one arm drifts downward.

S- speech difficulty. If you notice that someone is slurring their speech, ask them to repeat a simple sentence, such as “the sky is blue.” If they can’t do this, they might be suffering a stroke.

T-time to call 911. If someone shows any of these signs, call 911 right away. Check the time when you call, so you can tell emergency responders when you observed the symptoms.

Other symptoms of stroke include general weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion (such as in understanding what is being said); trouble seeing in one or both eyes, or trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination. A sudden severe headache with no known cause can be a sign of a stroke, too.

Timing matters. Individuals who suffer a stroke and receive prompt medical treatment with a clot-busting drug or clot-retrieval device are more likely to recover with little or no disability than those who don’t receive prompt treatment.  Spot a stroke F.A.S.T and you may save a life.

The F.A.S.T. Experience is a new digital tool launched by the American Stroke Association this month that engages users in a virtual experience educating them on what the warning signs of a stroke look, feel and/or sound like. By helping users to experience the stroke warning signs in a simulated way that is both educational and engaging.

Visit stroke.org/strokemonth for more information on how to identify a stroke, as well as tips for healthy living, blood pressure control, preventing another stroke.

(NewsUSA) - The number of deaths from heart disease in America may be rising due in part to a Medicare coverage technicality. Home-based, virtual cardiac rehabilitation is popular nationwide and has proven to reduce the risk of death. In 2018, the American Heart Association and other professional societies endorsed virtual cardiac rehab as an effective option for patients. In fact, a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed a 36% lower risk of death for those adults participated in a home-based, cardiac rehab program versus those who did not.

Despite these positive results, Medicare coverage of home-based cardiac rehab will end with the May 11, 2023 expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency unless Congress takes action.

During the public health emergency, Medicare allowed home-based, virtual cardiac rehab programs to provide patients with access to heart care when centers were closed. However, virtual cardiac rehab is not technically classified as “telehealth,” so the program was not included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act that Congress passed in 2022, extending telehealth services through the end of 2024. 

Many patients and providers are now skipping these virtual, home-based programs entirely, since the average length of a cardiac rehabilitation program is four-months and Medicare coverage would end in the middle of the program.

Cardiac rehabilitation continues to be the standard of care for many heart conditions and procedures. These programs include lifestyle issues that doctors aren’t able to monitor, including not only exercise and diet, but also depression, stress, tobacco use reduction, and medication adherence. Unfortunately, only 8% of eligible patients complete these programs due to low awareness and distance from cardiac rehab facilities.  Virtual options have helped improve access.

Patients who have gone through home-based, virtual cardiac rehab have reaped clinical and convenience benefits. Georgianna Darmento of Dade City, Florida, started a facility-based cardiac rehab program after several surgeries and multiple health issues, but was frustrated with transportation issues.

After switching to a virtual program by Recora at Tampa General Hospital, she completed the program and has been able to attend her in-person doctor visits more regularly.

While Congress extended telehealth coverage in late 2022, home-based virtual cardiac rehab was not included in these extensions.  The good news is that a bipartisan House bill, H.R. 1406, was recently introduced by Rep. John Joyce (R-PA) and Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA) to continue Medicare reimbursement for virtual cardiac rehabilitation.  More details about the bill and this critical patient access crisis can be found at The Coalition to Protect Cardiac Rehab Access, www.heartrehabcare.org. 

Hospitals, physicians, and patients have written to Congress to sound the alarm on this issue to keep patients out of the hospital and living longer. The Coalition to Protect Cardiac Rehab urges Congress to act now to prevent Medicare coverage for virtual cardiac rehab from ending; patients’ lives are at risk.