Bill Text: NJ SJR119 | 2022-2023 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates fourth Wednesday of February each year as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day in NJ.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-02-23 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee [SJR119 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2022-SJR119-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator ANTHONY M. BUCCO
District 25 (Morris and Somerset)
SYNOPSIS
Designates fourth Wednesday of February each year as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day in New Jersey.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day.
Whereas, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a disease caused by abnormal genes in the heart muscle that result in the thickening of the walls of the heart which oftentimes lead to symptoms that include chest pain, fatigue and swelling of the ankles, feet, legs, and abdomen; and
Whereas, As the disease progresses, the thickened walls of the heart may be become stiff and reduce the amount of blood pumped throughout the body; and
Whereas, This disease affects many people and families in New Jersey and can lead to death if left untreated; and
Whereas, It is estimated that 1 in every 500 people have Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, but a large percentage of patients with the disease are undiagnosed; and
Whereas, Medications such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics are available for people experiencing Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy symptoms, but for those who have the disease and are not experiencing symptoms it is recommended that they maintain a healthy diet, abstain from smoking, and maintain a normal weight; and
Whereas, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy has been regarded as the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young people and among competitive athletes in North America; and
Whereas, Most people living with the disease have a normal life expectancy without significant limitations or complications, however, as it is a genetic disease it is important that people with relatives diagnosed with the disease take preventative steps to be screened and diagnosed to avoid health complications; and
Whereas, The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association, founded in 1996 in Hibernia, New Jersey, currently serves thousands of families worldwide; and
Whereas, Increasing awareness on the signs and symptoms of this disease is important as it can help with getting an early diagnosis when treatment may be most effective; and
Whereas, A Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy awareness day would provide New Jerseyans with an annual reminder to check themselves for symptoms of the disease in effort to seek early medical intervention; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The fourth Wednesday of February each year is designated as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day in New Jersey to bring awareness to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and encourage New Jerseyans to take preventative steps to identify the disease symptoms and risk factors.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the fourth Wednesday of February as "Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day" in New Jersey.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution designates the fourth Wednesday of February of each year as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day in New Jersey. People with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy are at risk of thickening of the walls of the heart that can lead to adverse health outcomes including death. As the disease progresses, the abnormal thickened walls of the heart may become stiff and reduce the amount of blood pumped throughout the body. Signs and symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling of the ankles, feet, legs, and abdomen.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy can be treated and managed. Medications such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics are available for people experiencing disease symptoms. People who have been diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and are not experiencing symptoms are encouraged to maintain a healthy diet, abstain from smoking, and maintain a normal weight. It is important that symptoms are identified early and that a medical professional provide a diagnosis in order to take preemptive steps in managing the disease. It is estimated that 1 in every 500 people have Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, but a large percentage of patients are undiagnosed. Being aware one's own medical history, as well as of the signs and symptoms of the disease, is important in identifying one's own genetic predisposition and avoiding Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy related health related complication.
