[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING AMERICAN HEART MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 14, 2001

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, on Valentine's day, a time of celebration of 
our loved ones, we should take a moment to recognize American Heart 
Month, established by the Congress in 1963. This February the American 
Heart Association's 22.5 million volunteers and supporters are joining 
together with the message that we can combat heart disease.
  I worked on this issue in California, authoring a bill to fight 
against heart disease, and standing with the American Heart Association 
on this important issue.
  Cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, is 
America's No. 1 killer and a leading cause of permanent disability. An 
American dies from cardiovascular disease every 33 seconds. Nearly 61 
million Americans suffer from cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular 
diseases kill nearly I million Americans every year--about 41% of 
deaths in the U.S. If cardiovascular diseases were eliminated, life 
expectancy would rise by almost 7 years. Cardiovascular disease, will 
cost Americans an estimated $300 billion in medical expenses and lost 
productivity in 2001.
  Coronary heart disease (including heart attack and crushing chest 
pain) is the single largest killer of all Americans. Every 29 seconds 
someone suffers a heart attack and every 60 seconds someone dies. This 
year, more than I million Americans will suffer a heart attack. More 
than 40% of these victims will die.
  This tragic illness affects women, too. Heart disease, stroke and 
other cardiovascular diseases actually kill more American women than 
men. Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, 
remain the No. I killer of American females. More than 500,000 die each 
year. Cardiovascular diseases kill more females each year than the next 
14 causes of death combined. Heart disease kills five and a half times 
as many American women as breast cancer. Stroke kills more than twice 
as many women as breast cancer. Cardiovascular diseases kill almost 
twice as many American females as all forms of cancer.
  The American Heart Association and other organizations are working 
relentlessly to reduce the burden--both physical and economic--that 
heart disease places on Americans of all walks of life. This tragic 
illness affects the lives of almost all Americans in some way. We can 
win the fight against this devastating disease with the support of 
every man, woman, and child in our nation. We can save a life, if we 
are prepared for cardiac emergencies. We should know the signs. Call 9-
1-1 immediately. Give CPR.
  Unfortunately, too many Americans are not aware of the heart attack 
warning signs. The warning signs include uncomfortable pressure, 
fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting more 
than a few minutes; pain spreading to the shoulders, arm or neck; chest 
discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or 
shortness of breath.
  Together we can save a life. We will fight and win against this 
illness.

                          ____________________