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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA), co-chair of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition, hailed the passage of her legislation to highlight a common, yet often unrecognized cardiovascular condition. Capps, along with her fellow co-chair of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition, Rep. Mark Foley (R-FL), introduced H. Res. 982 to support the goals and ideals of National Peripheral Disease Awareness Week. Peripheral Arterial Disease affects more than 8 million Americans and is often an indication that a patient suffers from extensive cardiovascular disease that could lead to a heart attack or stroke.
“This passage of this legislation is an important step towards increasing awareness about the cardiovascular health of Americans,” said Capps. “Peripheral Arterial Disease affects one in 20 adult Americans, yet this condition is largely unrecognized and often goes undiagnosed because most people do not have any recognizable symptoms. Diagnosis of PAD is a warning sign that a patient is likely to have narrowed arteries to the heart and brain, which indicates existing cardiovascular disease and places patients at risk for serious health problems. Without early detection and proper treatment, one in four people who suffer from PAD will also suffer a heart attack, stroke, amputation or even death within the next five years. Clearly greater awareness and better detection of PAD will help improve the quality of life for those afflicted with this disease and potentially save lives as well.”
During National Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness Week, efforts are increased to make physicians and the public at-large more cognizant of their risks for PAD, the symptoms, and the importance of early treatment. During this week, efforts are made to highlight those who have high risk factors for PAD: over age 50, African Americans, smokers and those with high blood pressure, diabetes, abnormal cholesterol, a personal history of heart disease or stroke.
Congresswoman Capps is the co-chair of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition and a registered nurse.
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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.
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