    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 7644 of January 30, 2003

    American Heart Month, 2003

    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    Advances in medical research have significantly improved our capacity to
    fight heart disease by providing greater knowledge about its causes,
    more innovative diagnostic tools to detect and counter it, and new and
    improved treatments that help people survive and recover from it.
    Despite these advances, heart disease continues to be America's number
    one killer. During American Heart Month, we renew our commitment to
    fighting cardiovascular disease by encouraging our citizens to learn
    more about its risk factors, its various warning signs, and life-saving
    emergency response techniques.
    Heart attacks result when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle
    is severely reduced or stopped. Because many heart attack victims do not
    recognize the warning signs until it is too late, only one in five is
    able to reach a hospital quickly enough to benefit fully from
    treatments. To help Americans survive heart attacks, the National Heart,
    Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), which is part of the National
    Institutes of Health, has joined with the American Heart Association
    (AHA) and other national organizations to create a major educational
    campaign, called ``Act in Time to Heart Attack Signs.'' This campaign
    encourages Americans to learn the warning signs of a heart attack and to
    call 911 within minutes--five at most--of the start of symptoms. The
    campaign also offers educational materials for both the general public
    and healthcare professionals to encourage communication among doctors,
    other healthcare providers, and their patients about the importance of
    recognizing heart attack signs and getting treatment quickly.
    Far too many Americans are also unaware of the dangers of cardiac
    arrest, in which the heart suddenly loses its ability to function. Most
    cases of cardiac arrest that result in sudden death occur when the dis

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    eased heart's electrical impulses become rapid and then chaotic. About
    95 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the
    hospital. However, if treated within a few minutes, cardiac arrest can
    be reversed through defibrillation, an electric shock that allows the
    heart to resume a normal beat.
    Research has shown that early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and
    rapid defibrillation, combined with early advanced care, can produce
    long-term survival rates of 40 percent where a cardiac arrest has been
    witnessed by a bystander. The AHA has developed a nationwide educational
    campaign called ``Operation Heartbeat,'' to increase public awareness
    about cardiac arrest. ``Operation Heartbeat'' is educating the public
    about the warning signs of cardiac arrest, the importance of calling 911
    immediately, and the benefits of administering CPR until defibrillation
    can be given.
    When Americans take personal steps to improve their health, our whole
    society benefits. By developing good eating habits, being physically
    active, taking advantage of preventive screenings, and avoiding drugs,
    tobacco, and excessive use of alcohol, individuals and families can
    significantly reduce the onset and burden of heart disease. In promoting
    new education programs, supporting research, expanding access to life-
    saving tools, and encouraging our citizens to learn more about
    cardiovascular disease and lead healthy lifestyles, we can save lives.
    In recognition of the important ongoing fight against cardiovascular
    disease, the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved December 30, 1963,
    as amended (77 Stat. 843; 36 U.S.C. 101), has requested that the
    President issue an annual proclamation designating February as
    ``American Heart Month.''
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
    America, do hereby proclaim February 2003 as American Heart Month. I
    invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
    officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United
    States, and the American people to join me in reaffirming our commitment
    to combating cardiovascular disease.
    GEORGE W. BUSH