[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 11, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT AWARENESS WEEK

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                            HON. BILLY LONG

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 11, 2014

  Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Congenital Heart 
Defect Awareness Week, which is February 7-14, 2014.
  Congenital Heart Defects affect nearly two million Americans and are 
considered one of the most common birth defects within the United 
States. Each year approximately forty thousand babies are born in the 
United States with Congenital Heart Defects, while many remain 
undiagnosed for months or even years after birth. This dangerous 
condition can cause sudden cardiac death if left undiagnosed, which is 
especially harmful in young adolescent athletes who unknowingly suffer 
from this defect.
  This week not only serves to raise awareness of Congenital Heart 
Defects to increase screenings and funding for research, it serves as a 
dedication to the millions of Americans diagnosed with Congenital Heart 
Defects, the challenges their families face, and for the families of 
those who have sadly lost loved ones to this condition.

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