[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 35 (Wednesday, March 5, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H1522-H1523]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         FIGHTING HEART DISEASE

  (Ms. CARSON of Indiana asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, this is Women's History Month, 
where we underscore the contributions of women across this world, and 
we also underscore, Madam Speaker, the challenges that women face.

[[Page H1523]]

  My subject matter this morning, Madam Speaker, is about heart 
disease. Cardiovascular disease is the Nation's leading killer among 
men and women of all racial backgrounds. Approximately 1 million 
Americans die of cardiovascular disease every year.

                              {time}  1030

  It is estimated that cardiovascular disease cost Americans almost 
$330 billion in 2002 for cardiovascular disease-related medical costs 
and disability.
  In the United States, twice as many women die of heart disease and 
stroke as all forms of cancer, including breast cancer. In my home 
State of Indiana, a study was conducted regarding heart disease in 
women during 1991 through 1995. Findings revealed that close to 45,000 
women in Indiana died from diseases of the heart during the study 
period. Overall, close to 85,000 people in Indiana died from diseases 
of the heart during the last 5 years.
  I was delighted to participate in the Sister to Sister Women's Heart 
Day on Capitol Hill. It is the kind of information, education, and 
support that we all need.

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