Riverside Healthcare nationally recognized for commitment to improve valvular heart disease outcomes
July 11, 2025
Riverside Healthcare has been 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 Benjamin McLain, Riverside Vice President of Operations. “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, a member of the American Heart Association's Stroke Systems of Care Advisory Group, Atrial Fibrillation Systems of Care Advisory Group, Heart Failure Systems of Care Advisory Group and Quality Oversight Committee. “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.”
Learn more at heart.org/TargetAS.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.