[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 5 (Monday, February 3, 2003)]
[Pages 135-136]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation--American Heart Month, 2003

January 30, 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 
diseased 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 cardio-pulmonary 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.

[[Page 136]]

    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

Note: At the time of publication, this proclamation had not been 
received by the Office of the Federal Register for assignment of a 
proclamation number.