Mario Lemieux Foundation, Highmark Health Establish Research Fund in the Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology at Allegheny Health Network

Commitment of $2 million aims to advance leading-edge care for patients with atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm disorders

PITTSBURGH, Pa – Representatives from the Mario Lemieux Foundation today joined Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network (AHN) officials to announce a major investment in the health of patients with heart rhythm disorders. A $1 million gift from the Mario Lemieux Foundation, with matching funds from Highmark Health, will establish The Mario Lemieux Innovation and Research Fund in the Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology (EP) at AHN’s Cardiovascular Institute. 

The $2 million investment by the Foundation and Highmark Health will support medical research and the development of innovative therapies and technologies for heart rhythm disorders, a cause close to the heart of Mario Lemieux, Foundation chairman, NHL Hall of Famer and Pittsburgh Penguins owner.

“Our Foundation is committed to supporting important research and patient care, and we are pleased to give this gift that will help so many people in our community,” said Lemieux.

Lemieux was diagnosed with a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation (Afib) in 2005 and guides his foundation by supporting important patient care and research in the region. The Foundation’s gift to AHN is its first to an adult cardiovascular program.

“Our mission is to create programs that improve the lives of western Pennsylvanians and to collaborate with organizations who share that commitment,” said Tom Grealish, president of the Mario Lemieux Foundation. “Allegheny Health Network’s Cardiovascular Institute is nationally recognized for its expertise in the treatment of heart and vascular disease, and we are excited to help further enhance its capabilities in the specialized care of heart rhythm disorders.”

In the United States, Afib is the most common heart rhythm disorder affecting more than six million people. The condition occurs when the two upper chambers of the heart quiver out of sync with the lower chambers causing less blood to be circulated throughout the body, elevating a patient’s risk of heart failure and stroke.

The funding from the Foundation and Highmark Health will help further establish AHN’s EP program as a center for innovative research into the cause and treatment of heart rhythm disorders with a particular focus on minimally invasive therapies for Afib. The funds will also support the use of advanced data systems to develop predictive algorithms that promote more efficient and effective care pathways for patients with cardiac arrhythmias.

“At Highmark Health, we take great pride in our legacy of service to the w