Deborah Heart and Lung Center Nationally Recognized for Commitment to Improve Valvular Heart Disease Outcomes

Target: Aortic Stenosis Honor Roll recognition is presented by the American Heart Association

Browns Mills, NJ - Deborah Heart and Lung Center was recognized by the American Heart Association for achieving the Target: Aortic Stenosis™ Honor Roll award through its commitment to improving care for this undertreated heart valve disease.

Aortic stenosis(AS) is one of the most common and serious heart valve disease problems. More than 1.7 million Americans over age 65 have severe aortic stenosis, and without valve replacement, as few as half survive beyond two years. However, many patients are unaware or undiagnosed, which is why the American Heart Association continues to drive efforts for timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, improved quality of care initiatives and comprehensive patient and caregiver resources to combat the disease.

"We are proud to be recognized for our team's dedication to improving heart valve disease care and treatment," said Aaron Kugelmass, MD, executive vice-president and chief medical officer of Deborah. "The Target: Aortic Stenosis program helps us to optimize treatment pathways and bring together the patient, caregivers and providers to determine the best way forward."

The American Heart Association launched Target: Aortic Stenosis to improve patient outcomes, starting at symptom onset and diagnosis through timely and appropriate treatment. The program consists of evidence-based measure development to better identify and treat patients, as well as multi-media educational resources for patients and health care professionals.

"Prior evidence has suggested that symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis are undertreated with aortic valve replacement, and this undertreatment is associated with a substantial adverse impact on symptoms, hospitalizations and survival," said Gregg Fonarow, M.D., FAHA, an American Heart Association volunteer and interim chief of the division of cardiology, director of the Ahmanson-UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center, co-director of the Preventative Cardiology Program and the Eliot Corday Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine and Science at the University of California, Los Angeles. "With a foundational understanding of Aortic Stenosis through the Target: Aortic Stenosis program, health care organizations can optimize treatment pathways and referrals to ensure patients receive the right level of care at the right time."

About Deborah Heart and Lung Center

Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, New Jersey is a teaching hospital in the prevention, diagnosis, research and treatment of heart, lung and vascular diseases. Founded in 1922, Deborah has treated more than 2.3 million hearts from every corner of the United States and 87 countries. From performing the first adult and pediatric open-heart surgeries in New Jersey, to one of the highest-volume left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant programs in the nation, Deborah is consistently recognized as a leader overall and in patient care from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

It is ranked among the top hospitals in New Jersey for patient satisfaction; holds a top-tier Society of Thoracic Surgeons rating, which places Deborah among the best cardiac surgery programs in North America; and is rated High Performing in five specialties, Heart Attack, Heart Bypass Surgery, Heart Failure, COPD and TAVR by U.S. News & World Report. Deborah is an Alliance member of the Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute. To learn more about Deborah, visit https://demanddeborah.org/.

About The American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public's health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Xor by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

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