[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 44 (Thursday, April 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           INTRODUCING LEGISLATION ON PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

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                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 2002

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to introduce a 
concurrent resolution in the House aimed at increasing awareness of the 
disease pulmonary hypertension. PH is a rare disorder of the lung in 
which the pressure in the pulmonary artery (the blood vessel that leads 
from the heart to the lungs) and the hundreds of tiny blood vessels 
that branch off from it rises above normal levels and may become life 
threatening.
  Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include shortness of breath with 
minimal exertion, fatigue, chest pain, dizzy spells and fainting. When 
PH occurs in the absence of a known cause, it is referred to as primary 
pulmonary hypertension (PPH). This term should not be construed to mean 
that because it has a single name it is a single disease. There are 
likely many unknown causes of PPH.
  Secondary pulmonary hypertension (SPH) means the cause of the disease 
is known. Common causes of SPH are the breathing disorders emphysema 
and bronchitis. Other less frequent causes are scleroderma, CREST 
syndrome and systemic lupus. In addition, the use of diet drugs can 
lead to the disease.
  Unfortunately, PH is frequently misdiagnosed and often progresses to 
late stage by the time it is detected. Although PH is chronic and 
incurable with a poor survival rate, new treatments are providing a 
significantly improved quality of life for patients. Recent data 
indicates that the length of survival is continuing to improve, with 
some patients able to manage the disorder for 20 years or longer.
  A close friend and constituent of mine, Mr. Jack Stibbs, has a 
daughter who is battling this difficult disease. Emily Stibbs has 
touched many people with her courage and strength at such a young age. 
I am pleased to introduce this resolution today to raise awareness in 
the House and throughout the country about PH. The resolution 
highlights the need for increased federal investments in biomedical 
research, and public and professional awareness programs focused on the 
disease. I encourage my colleagues to join me in the fight against 
pulmonary hypertension by cosponsoring this resolution.

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