Assembly Resolution No. 2231 BY: M. of A. Rules (Jensen) MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2024, as Hypertension Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious health issues 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 May 2024, as Hypertension Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Hypertension Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, affects nearly half of all Americans and is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death in the United States; and WHEREAS, In 2021, the latest year for which data is available, Hypertension was a primary or contributing cause of death for more than 691,000 people in the United States; and WHEREAS, The most important preventable risk factor for premature death worldwide, Hypertension increases the risk of ischemic heart disease, strokes, peripheral vascular diseases, aortic aneurysms, and atherosclerosis, as well as chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, leukemia, pulmonary embolisms, cognitive impairment, and dementia; and WHEREAS, Hypertension can be difficult to diagnose and manage, as the symptoms that portend Hypertension are due to nonspecific lifestyle and genetic factors; and WHEREAS, Hypertension can cause serious pregnancy complications in the form of pre-eclampsia, which increases the risk of pregnancy complications such as premature birth, low birthweight, or stillbirth; Hypertension during pregnancy can double the risk of stillbirth; and WHEREAS, Hypertension affects non-Hispanic black adults at rates several times higher than that of other populations and thus is a contributing factor to disparate health outcomes faced in New York; and WHEREAS, The New York State Legislature continues its commitment to educate the public in the importance of early detection and prevention, to support institutions that further research and knowledge in the treatment of hypertension and to promote an environment in which a healthy lifestyle will result in healthy minds and bodies; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2024, as Hypertension Awareness Month in the State of New York; 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.