Rams, Edwards Lifesciences Extended Heart Valve Initiative
The partnership offers expanded heart valve screenings for Los Angeles and Orange County residents age 50 and older.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Heart Disease
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The Los Angeles Rams and Edwards Lifesciences have extended their partnership to increase awareness and diagnostic access for heart valve disease. The initiative offers free health screenings to adults in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas.
Why it matters
Heart valve disease affects an estimated 12 million people in the United States, with potential for severe failure in up to two million individuals. Targeted awareness campaigns for adults aged 50 and older are critical for identifying asymptomatic cases before they progress to advanced failure.
The initiative has conducted 375 screenings for the local community, contributing to the broader management of a condition affecting 12 million Americans. While the screenings aim to identify issues early, the long-term health outcomes for participants identified through this program are not yet documented.
The players
Los Angeles Rams
A professional NFL team using its local platform to promote health education and community wellness initiatives.
Edwards Lifesciences
A medical technology company specializing in artificial heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring for cardiovascular patients.
Torry Holt
A former NFL wide receiver serving as a campaign representative to raise awareness for heart health.
Eric Dickerson
A former NFL running back serving as a campaign representative for heart valve disease education.
The details
The Off the Sidelines campaign utilizes community events and game day activations to provide accessible diagnostic screening for residents. Heart valve disease involves structural damage to the valves that regulate blood flow, which can lead to heart failure if left unmonitored. Early detection allows for more timely medical evaluation and potential intervention to maintain valve function.
Timeline
The partnership extension was officially announced on September 28, 2026.
A free heart valve screening event is scheduled at SoFi Stadium on November 1, 2026.
Health Landscape
This program reflects a growing trend of professional sports organizations leveraging their reach to address cardiovascular risks in the aging population. It aligns with established efforts by the American Heart Association to increase public awareness and early detection of structural heart valve conditions.
If you are age 50 or older, it is worth discussing heart valve health during your next physical, especially if you have noticed symptoms like fatigue or shortness of breath. Local screenings provide a convenient opportunity to ask a clinician about potential signs of valve-related issues.
The takeaway
Heart valve disease is a common condition that can remain silent until it causes significant heart strain. Adults over 50 should proactively ask their primary care physician about cardiac auscultation and screening during routine visits to catch potential issues early.
What happens next
The Off the Sidelines campaign will hold a heart valve screening event at SoFi Stadium on November 1, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest resources and care options in the Heart Disease section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Orange Coast.
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Would you ask your doctor about heart valve screenings if you feel perfectly healthy?
