Edwards Lifesciences today introduced “Stay in the Race,” a national disease awareness effort that highlights the urgency of recognizing heart valve failure (severe aortic stenosis) before symptoms become life-threatening.

The initiative, created in partnership with Rahal Letterman Lanigan (RLL) Racing, taps into auto racing as a metaphor for heart valve health, emphasizing the importance of early detection and timely referral among adults 65 and older.

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RLL co‑owners Bobby Rahal, David Letterman and Mike Lanigan have each faced significant heart health challenges. Notably, Lanigan was diagnosed with heart valve failure and, following evaluation by his heart valve team, was treated with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). Their personal heart health experiences bring urgency and credibility to a simple but critical message: Don’t wait; get your heart valves checked.

“Heart valve failure is often silent until it’s too late, but it’s treatable and a simple screening can save a life,” said Dan Lippis, corporate vice president of TAVR at Edwards. “This initiative is about empowering people with the knowledge they need to take charge of their heart health. Early detection and timely treatment can turn a preventable tragedy into a second chance at life.”

Through this partnership, Edwards and RLL will use high‑visibility moments throughout the year, including the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach and the Indianapolis 500, to elevate public understanding of heart valve failure. As part of these efforts, the initiative will be anchored by a documentary short film focused on the real-life heart health journeys of Rahal, Letterman and Lanigan.

While the disease can affect anyone, adults 65 and older and people with certain health conditions face higher risk. For many, a heart murmur detected during a routine stethoscope exam may be the first and sometimes only warning sign. Like a critical pit stop supports the mechanical health of race cars, this early check helps identify people sooner and supports prompt referral to a specialized heart valve team for evaluation.

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“Partnering with Edwards Lifesciences allows us to raise awareness of treatable heart valve failure and encourage individuals especially older adults to prioritize and ask about their heart health,” said Rahal, a three-time INDYCAR Champion and 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner. “By sharing our own experiences, we hope to spark conversations that lead to earlier detection and better outcomes.”