HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-4664

HR 4664

ByRepresentative Maycumber

WHEREAS, Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined and yet only 44% of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat; and

WHEREAS, Among females 20 years and older, nearly 45% are living with some form of cardiovascular disease and less than half of women entering pregnancy in the United States have optimal cardiovascular health; and

WHEREAS, Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the United States, or more simply put, heart disease is the number 1 killer of new moms; and

WHEREAS, Overall, 10% to 20% of women will have a health issue during pregnancy, and high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes during pregnancy greatly increase a women's risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in life; and

WHEREAS, Most cardiac and stroke events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes, such as moving more, eating smart, and managing blood pressure; and

WHEREAS, In 2020, stroke caused the deaths of 90,627 females, approximately 56.5% of total stroke deaths; and

WHEREAS, Women are often less likely to receive bystander CPR because rescuers often fear accusations of inappropriate touching, sexual assault, or injuring the victim; and

WHEREAS, There are significant biological differences between men and women, and clinical trials have not always adequately enrolled women or analyzed sex-specific differences in the data; and, as of 2020, only 38% of cardiovascular clinical research trial participants are women; and

WHEREAS, Since 2004, increased efforts have been made by researchers, organizations, and policymakers to raise awareness of clinical care gaps of women's greatest health threat, cardiovascular disease;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the plight and courage of women with cardiovascular disease during this month of February, first proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 as National Heart Health month.