[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 22, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H6860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH

  (Mr. PAULSEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise tonight to take a moment to 
recognize September as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Awareness 
Month. PAD is a very dangerous and increasingly common illness that 
affects approximately 9 million Americans every year. Yet a recent 
study showed that only 25 percent of people are even aware of its 
existence.
  That's why I have introduced House Resolution 1438, which aims to 
promote increased awareness and diagnosis of peripheral arterial 
disease to address the high mortality rate of this treatable disease. 
PAD occurs when arteries in the legs become restricted or clogged with 
fatty deposits, reducing blood flow to the legs. This can result in 
muscle pain, disability, amputation, and even death.
  In addition, it is often an early warning sign that other arteries, 
including those in the heart and brain, may also be blocked, increasing 
the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
  Madam Speaker and fellow Members, we must take the proper steps to 
curb this increasingly dangerous and deadly disease.

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