February is National Heart Health Month: Former Miss Ohio Lindsay Davis and Leading Cardiologist Raise Awareness for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and the Importance of Early Education and Diagnosis as the HEARTS Act Becomes Law

HCM is the #1 cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes—Lindsay Davis and Dr. Srihari Naidu introduce Lindsay's Big Heart, a first-of-its-kind children's book to educate and empower families, as new legislation strengthens heart health education in schools

NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

WHAT: This National Heart Health Month takes on even greater importance with the recent passage of the HEARTS Act, which strengthens heart health education and preparedness in schools across the country.

Lindsay Davis, former Miss Ohio, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patient, is a national heart health advocate who was instrumental in raising awareness and supporting Ohio's Lindsay's Law and the HEARTS Act. She is using her platform to educate families and communities about HCM—a common but often undiagnosed genetic heart condition that is the leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in young athletes.

In collaboration with renowned interventional cardiologist Dr. Srihari S. Naidu, Davis co-authored the Amazon Best Seller, Lindsay's Big Heart. The book helps young readers and their families understand HCM, the importance of early diagnosis, and how to navigate life with a heart condition. The book follows a child's journey to the hospital, where she meets new friends who help her understand her diagnosis, the treatment options, and the importance of self-care for both patients and caregivers.

WHY:

• HCM is often underdiagnosed and misunderstood, leaving young athletes and families vulnerable to SCA making education a key tool for saving lives. By understanding the signs, symptoms, and risks of HCM, families and educators can take proactive steps toward early diagnosis and preventive care.
• Lindsay's Big Heart bridges a critical gap in children's literature by simplifying a complex medical topic, providing an engaging and accessible way for children, families, and communities to learn about heart conditions and how to respond.
• The passage of the HEARTS Act marks a turning point in ensuring schools are better equipped to handle cardiac emergencies. Lindsay's Big Heart pushes the conversation forward, giving families a way to help educate and protect young hearts and save lives.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

• Lindsay Davis: Author, former Miss Ohio (2011), HCM patient advocate.
• Dr. Srihari S. Naidu: Author, clinician and leader in the diagnosis and management of HCM for over 20 years, author on 2011 and 2024 American Heart Association guidelines, and editor of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

About Lindsay Davis:
Lindsay Davis, former ballerina, Miss Ohio, and HCM patient, is a heart health advocate who led the passage of "Lindsay's Law" to protect children from SCA. She collaborates with political leaders on state and federal legislation for heart patients and is an international speaker. Her writing has appeared in Open Heart BMJ, Newsweek, USA Today, and Sports Illustrated. As a board member of the AHA, ACC, and British Heart Foundation, she helps develop patient-centered health materials. Her work has earned her the Presidential Point of Light Award and recognition from the World Heart Foundation.

About Dr. Srihari S. Naidu:
Dr. Srihari S. Naidu is triple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Interventional Cardiology, with over 20 years of expertise in diagnosing and managing Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. He is Editor-in-Chief of the international textbook Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a contributing author to the 2011 and 2024 AHA HCM guidelines, and a pioneer of Alcohol Septal Ablation for heart failure treatment. Dr. Naidu is a professor at New York Medical College, Trustee Emeritus of Brown University, Incoming President of SCAI, and a Founding Board Member of HCMS.

Contact:
[email protected] 

SOURCE Lindsay's Big Heart