Senate Resolution No. 1606
BY: Senator RIVERA
MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 2026, as Hypertension Awareness Month in the
State of New York
WHEREAS, Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, affects
nearly half of all adults in the United States and is a leading risk
factor for various cardiovascular diseases; and
WHEREAS, Hypertension often goes undetected and untreated, leading
to severe health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and
kidney failure, and contributing to nearly 500,000 deaths per year in
the United States; and
WHEREAS, Only about one in four adults in the United States have
their hypertension under control; and
WHEREAS, Healthcare costs in the United States associated with
hypertension account for about $131 billion per year, while individuals
with hypertension are estimated to face nearly $2,000 higher annual
healthcare expenditures compared to those without hypertension; and
WHEREAS, Recent advancements in medical technology have introduced
U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved renal denervation therapies
as a promising treatment for resistant hypertension, offering hope to
patients who do not respond adequately to conventional treatments; and
WHEREAS, Renal denervation therapies have demonstrated clinical and
real-world results in reducing blood pressure and improving
cardiovascular outcomes; and
WHEREAS, Access to innovative treatments is essential for improving
public health and reducing the burden of hypertension-related
complications; and
WHEREAS, A recent scientific statement from the American Heart
Association suggests that "renal denervation presents a novel treatment
strategy for patients with uncontrolled blood pressure"; and
WHEREAS, The month of May is recognized as National Hypertension
Month to raise awareness about the importance of preventing, detecting,
and managing hypertension; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Hypertension
Awareness Month in the State of New York, to promote awareness,
education, and prevention of hypertension; and be it further
RESOLVED, That healthcare providers, public health organizations,
and community groups be encouraged to participate in activities and
initiatives highlighting the importance of hypertension management and
prevention; and be it further
RESOLVED, That efforts to educate the public about the risks of
hypertension and the benefits of early detection and treatment,
including the potential role of renal denervation and other innovative
therapies are supported; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.
