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[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 220 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 220

     Supporting the designation of September as ``National Atrial 
 Fibrillation Awareness Month'' and encouraging efforts to educate the 
                   public about atrial fibrillation.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             July 22, 2009

  Mr. Feingold (for himself, Ms. Collins, Mr. Dorgan, and Mr. Crapo) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
               on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
     Supporting the designation of September as ``National Atrial 
 Fibrillation Awareness Month'' and encouraging efforts to educate the 
                   public about atrial fibrillation.

Whereas atrial fibrillation is a cardiac condition in which electrical pulses 
        disrupt the regular beating of the atria in the heart, hampering the 
        ability of the atria to fill the ventricles with blood, and subsequently 
        causing blood to pool in the atria and form clots;
Whereas atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac malfunction and affects 
        at least 2,200,000 people in the United States, with increased 
        prevalence anticipated as the population of the United States ages;
Whereas atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased, long-term risk of 
        stroke, heart failure, and mortality from all causes, especially among 
        women;
Whereas atrial fibrillation accounts for approximately \1/3\ of hospitalizations 
        for cardiac rhythm disturbances;
Whereas, according to the American Heart Association, 3 to 5 percent of people 
        in the United States aged 65 and older are estimated to have atrial 
        fibrillation;
Whereas atrial fibrillation is recognized as a major contributor to strokes, 
        with an estimated 15 to 20 percent of strokes occurring in people 
        afflicted with atrial fibrillation;
Whereas it is estimated that treating atrial fibrillation costs approximately 
        $3,600 per patient annually for a total cost burden in the United States 
        of approximately $15,700,000,000;
Whereas obesity is a significant risk factor for atrial fibrillation;
Whereas better education for patients and health care providers is needed in 
        order to ensure timely recognition of atrial fibrillation symptoms;
Whereas more research into effective treatments for atrial fibrillation is 
        needed; and
Whereas September is an appropriate month to observe as National Atrial 
        Fibrillation Awareness Month: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) supports the designation of September as ``National 
        Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month'';
            (2) supports efforts to educate people about atrial 
        fibrillation;
            (3) recognizes the need for additional research into 
        treatment for atrial fibrillation; and
            (4) encourages the people of the United States and 
        interested groups to observe and support National Atrial 
        Fibrillation Awareness Month through appropriate programs and 
        activities that promote public awareness of atrial fibrillation 
        and potential treatments for atrial fibrillation.
                                 <all>
```