Assembly Resolution No. 118
BY: M. of A. Paulin
MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
February 22, 2023, as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Awareness Day in the State of New York
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase public awareness of serious
health conditions that affect the lives of citizens of New York State;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 22, 2023, as
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Designated as the fourth Wednesday of February annually,
the observance of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day is meant to
educate the citizens of New York on this chronic disease and to advocate
for advancing research, understanding, and care to those with
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy; and
WHEREAS, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a chronic
cardiovascular disease, involving thickening of the heart muscle, that
can lead to the development of debilitating symptoms and serious
complications; if not diagnosed and treated, HCM can cause heart
failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and in rare cases sudden cardiac
death; and
WHEREAS, The most common inheritable heart disease, HCM can affect
anyone regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity, with a reported
prevalence ranging from one in 200 to one in 500 in the general
population; and
WHEREAS, Affecting an estimated 700,000 people in the United States,
HCM is commonly left untreated for a long time; it is hypothesized that
of that estimation, 85% remain undiagnosed; and
WHEREAS, HCM shares symptoms with other common cardiovascular and
pulmonary diseases, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue,
palpitations, and fainting, making it difficult to distinguish HCM from
these other diseases; and
WHEREAS, All-cause mortality risk is three to four times higher in
patients with HCM than that of people not diagnosed with the condition;
and
WHEREAS, Knowing one's medical history and any signs and symptoms of
HCM is an important first step in receiving an accurate diagnosis of the
disease; a healthcare provider must conduct a thorough screening with
cardiac health questions to help identify a risk of cardiac disorders
both genetic and congenital; and
WHEREAS, A healthcare provider may conduct several tests to
determine a diagnosis of HCM, including an echocardiogram, a cardiac
MRI, or genetic testing to confirm a family history of HCM, and must
examine the heart; and
WHEREAS, Following a diagnosis of HCM, it is critical for patients
to work with their healthcare provider to learn more about their disease
and understand different management options, including prescription
medicines and surgical treatment options; and
WHEREAS, The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA) is the
preeminent organization improving the lives of those with HCM,
preventing untimely deaths and advancing global understanding of the
complicated heart disease; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1996, HCMA is committed to providing support,
education, and advocacy to those with HCM; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious health condition, and more must be done to increase
activity at the local, State, and National levels; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 22, 2023, as
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day in the State of New York; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York; and the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association.
