2024 Senate Resolution 94

Whereas, The American Heart Association celebrates February 2024 as American Heart Month by promoting cardiovascular education, awareness, and by encouraging citizens to learn the warning signs of a heart attack and stroke; and

Whereas, Cardiovascular disease affects men, women, and children of every age and race in the United States (U.S.); and

Whereas, Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women in the U.S., claiming the lives of more women than all forms of cancer combined. Only 44 percent of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat; and

Whereas, Among females 20 years and older, nearly 45 percent are living with some form of cardiovascular disease and less than half of women entering pregnancy in the U.S. have optimal cardiovascular health; and

Whereas, Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., or more simply put, heart disease is the number one killer of new moms; and

Whereas, Overall, 10 to 20 percent of women will have a health issue during pregnancy. High blood pressure, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes during pregnancy greatly increase a women’s risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in life; and

Whereas, Women, especially Black and Hispanic women, are disproportionally impacted by heart disease and stroke, and research shows heart attacks are on the rise in younger women; and

Whereas, Younger generations of women, also known as Gen Z and Millennials, are less aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes; and

Whereas, Additionally, 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease or stroke; 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 percent of total stroke deaths; 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. As of 2020, only 38 precent of cardiovascular clinical research trial participants are women; and

Whereas, Since 2004, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of women’s greatest health threat, cardiovascular disease. On the cusp of the American Heart Association’s 100th anniversary, they continue to make bold moves to save lives and pioneer scientific discoveries; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize February 2024 as American Heart Month and February 7, 2024, as “National Wear Red Day”.