[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 15 (Friday, February 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E171-E172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY AS AMERICAN HEART MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2002

  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues 
in recognizing February as American Heart Month.
  Heart disease is the nation's leading cause of death. It is estimated 
about 1 in 5 American adults suffer from some form of cardiovascular 
disease, or CVD. Before I even finish this statement, two Americans 
will die of cardiovascular disease. By the end of the hour, we will 
have lost 120 friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers. By the 
end of the day, more than 2,600 Americans will die from CVD.
  While heart disease is a problem for all racial, ethnic, and socio-
economic groups, certain groups are disproportionately affected. For 
example, while heart disease affects only thirty percent of white 
males, forty percent of African American males will suffer. Minority 
women also have higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
  Mr. Speaker, as troubling as these statistics are, there is great 
hope that we can win the battle against heart disease. Some of the 
major causes of heart disease--tobacco use, physical inactivity, 
obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure--can all be treated 
or prevented. According to the World Health Organization, one year 
after quitting smoking,

[[Page E172]]

the risk of heart disease decreases by fifty percent. Study after study 
concludes that moderate-intensity physical activity such as walking can 
substantially reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. And new and 
improved pharmaceutical treatments can help people control their blood 
pressure and lower their cholesterol.
  Mr. Speaker, by recognizing February as American Heart Month, we are 
raising awareness about heart disease, including its symptoms, its 
treatments, and ways to prevent it. The more Americans know about heart 
disease, the more likely they will seek treatment when they need it--
before a heart attack strikes.

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