```

[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 255 Introduced in House (IH)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 255

    Expressing support for designation of the month of September as 
``National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month'' and supporting efforts 
            to educate the public about atrial fibrillation.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 17, 2009

Mr. Ruppersberger (for himself and Ms. Granger) submitted the following 
 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
    Expressing support for designation of the month of September as 
``National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month'' and supporting 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 
        atria's ability to fill the ventricles with blood, thus allowing 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 United States population ages;
Whereas atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased long-term risk of 
        stroke, heart failure, and all-cause mortality, especially among women;
Whereas atrial fibrillation accounts for approximately one-third of 
        hospitalizations for cardiac rhythm disturbances;
Whereas according to the American Heart Association, 3 to 5 percent of people in 
        the United States age 65 and older are estimated to have atrial 
        fibrillation;
Whereas atrial fibrillation is recognized as a major contributor of strokes, 
        with an estimated 15 to 20 percent of strokes occurring in people with 
        the condition;
Whereas it is estimated that atrial fibrillation costs $3,600 per patient 
        annually for a total cost burden in the United States of 
        $15,700,000,000;
Whereas obesity is an important risk factor of atrial fibrillation;
Whereas better patient and health care provider education is needed for the 
        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 ``National Atrial 
        Fibrillation Awareness Month'': Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of a ``National Atrial 
        Fibrillation Awareness Month'';
            (2) supports ``National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness 
        Month'' and 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 to promote public awareness of atrial fibrillation 
        and potential treatments for it.
                                 <all>
```