Expressing support for the designation of the fourth Wednesday of February as “Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day”.

Expressing support for the designation of the fourth Wednesday of February as “Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day”.

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;

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;

Whereas an estimated 700,000 to 1,650,000 people in the United States have HCM, yet 85 percent of them may remain undiagnosed;

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;

Whereas, when untreated, all-cause mortality risk is 3 to 4 times higher in patients with HCM than that of the general population;

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;

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

Whereas a health care 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;

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

Whereas “Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day” is expected to be observed in the United States for years to come, providing hope and information for patients, caregivers, and families around the country: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

(1) supports the designation of “Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day”;

(2) acknowledges the critical importance of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy awareness to improve cardiovascular health; and

(3) recognizes the need to raise public awareness of the consequences of undiagnosed and untreated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and urges all Americans to seek appropriate care.