WHEREAS, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy ("HCM") is a chronic cardiac disease involving thickening of the heart muscle and can potentially lead to debilitating symptoms and serious complications including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and in rare cases sudden cardiac death; and

WHEREAS, HCM is the most common inheritable heart disease and can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity with a reported prevalence ranging from 1 in 200 to 1 in 500 in the general population; and

WHEREAS, An estimated 700,000 to 1,650,000 people in the United States have HCM, yet 85% of them may remain undiagnosed; and

WHEREAS, HCM shares symptoms with other common cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, palpitations, and fainting, making it difficult to distinguish HCM from these other diseases; and

WHEREAS, All-cause mortality risk is three to four times higher in patients with HCM than that of the general population; and

WHEREAS, Knowing one's medical history and any signs and symptoms of HCM is an important first step in receiving an accurate diagnosis of HCM; and

WHEREAS, A healthcare provider must conduct a thorough screening with cardiac health questions to help identify a risk of cardiac disorders both genetic and congenital; and

WHEREAS, A healthcare provider may conduct several tests, including an echocardiogram, a cardiac MRI, or genetic testing to confirm a family history of HCM, and must examine the heart to diagnose HCM; and

WHEREAS, Following a diagnosis of HCM, it is important for patients to work with their healthcare provider to learn more about their disease and understand different management options, including prescription medicines and surgical treatment options that may help; and

WHEREAS, The fourth Wednesday in February is an appropriate day to observe Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day;

(1) Observe the fourth Wednesday in February of each year as "Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day" in order to raise public awareness about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy;

(2) Acknowledge the critical importance of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy awareness to improve cardiovascular health in the State of Washington;

(3) Support raising awareness of the consequences of undiagnosed and untreated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and the need to seek appropriate care for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as a serious public health issue; and

(4) Call upon the people in the State of Washington to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities.