HRA Issues Multi-Prong Strategy to Protect Cardiovascular Research

March 4, 2025 – Heart Rhythm Advocates (HRA) is extremely concerned by recent federal actions aimed at drastically reducing funding for National Institutes of Health (NIH) supported research.

Earlier this month, the new Administration directed the NIH to cut funding for extramural research by reducing the maximum indirect cost (IDC) rate to 15%. This is a significant cut since IDC rates typically exceed 50% for many medical centers and universities.

Recognizing the devastating impact these reductions may have on vital cardiovascular disease research, HRS/HRA is proposing a three-part strategy to combat these cuts:

1. Develop short-term fiscal strategies to protect ongoing research,
2. Launch a public education campaign on the importance of cardiovascular research, and
3. Engage Congress through outreach emphasizing the importance of NIH funding.

Members are urged to contact their state House Representatives and Senators to support NIH-funded research and to push back on this arbitrary reduction in research funding. A template letter is available for you to personalize and tell your members of Congress about the importance of NIH funding. You can find actual dollar amounts of NIH funding for each state and congressional district to include in your letter here: Federal Research Funding Data.

By raising public awareness and mobilizing support, we can protect cardiovascular research and maintain U.S. leadership in scientific advancements.

Available Resources

• Contact Your Representative
• Access Federal Research Funding Data