[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 167 (Thursday, November 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        NOVEMBER 2011 IS PULMONARY HYPERTENSION AWARENESS MONTH

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                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 3, 2011

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, November is Pulmonary 
Hypertension Awareness Month 2011 in the Second Congressional District 
of South Carolina. Pulmonary Hypertension, PH, is the condition of 
continuous high blood pressure in the arteries or veins of the lungs 
which can result in an enlarged heart, causing it to lose its ability 
to pump. PH symptoms are similar to common respiratory and cardiac 
ailments and is therefore difficult to properly diagnose. It often 
leads to life-threatening delays in treatment. Although there is no 
cure for the disease, there is hope. Unfortunately, the medications can 
be expensive and invasive, with some patients requiring continuous 
infusion pumps and oxygen.
  The Pulmonary Hypertension Association, PHA, a patient support 
charity group, raises funds for research, promotes awareness, and 
proves educational and emotional support to the estimated 30,000 
diagnosed patients in the United States. It has helped to establish 235 
patient support groups throughout the nation, including four groups in 
South Carolina that serve over 150 patients, caregivers and family 
members across the state.
  On behalf of the Pulmonary Hypertension patients in the Second 
Congressional District of South Carolina, I would like to bring 
awareness to their cause by citing November 2011 as Pulmonary 
Hypertension Awareness Month.

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