2025 House Resolution 18

Whereas, Cardiovascular disease affects men, women, and children of every age and race in the United States; and

Whereas, Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Yet 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 United States have optimal cardiovascular health; and

Whereas, Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S. Simply put, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms; 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. Yet, 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, 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, In 2020, stroke caused the deaths of 90,627 females, approximately 56.5 percent of total stroke deaths; and

Whereas, Between 2025 and 2050, a 90.0 percent increase in cardiovascular prevalence, 73.4 percent increase in crude mortality, and 54.7 percent increase in crude DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) are projected, with an expected 35.6 million cardiovascular deaths in 2050; and

Whereas, By 2035, cardiovascular disease will account for over $1 trillion in health care expenditures and lost productivity annually; 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, Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease or stroke; and

Whereas, Women are less likely to call 911 for themselves when experiencing symptoms of a heart attack than if someone else were having a heart attack; and

Whereas, The National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have cited that individuals in the U.S. have made great progress in reducing the death rate for cardiovascular disease, but this progress has been more modest with respect to the death rate for cardiovascular disease in women and minorities; and

Whereas, The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement motivates women to learn their family history and to meet with a health care provider to determine their risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke; and

Whereas, National Wear Red Day encourages men and women to take control of their heart health by understanding and managing these five numbers: total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index; and

Whereas, The American Heart Association celebrates February 2025 as American Heart Month by promoting cardiovascular education, awareness, and by encouraging citizens to learn the warning signs of a heart attack and stroke; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare February 2025 as American Heart Month and February 5, 2025, as National Wear Red Day in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That we also recognize the importance of the ongoing fight against cardiovascular disease by applauding the citizens across the country who wear red on February 5, 2025, to show their support for women’s health; and be it further

Resolved, That by increasing awareness, speaking out about heart disease, and empowering women to reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke, we can save thousands of lives each year.