Andre Carson: “Today we recognize February as American Heart Month. I salute the American Heart Association and other noteworthy…”

“Today we recognize February as American Heart Month. I salute the American Heart Association and other noteworthy organizations' ongoing efforts to eliminate heart disease, which affects millions of Americans every year. Cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of women and men. These diseases currently claim the lives of more than half a million females every year. The American Heart Association estimates that one in two women will eventually die of heart disease or stroke. African American women face a four times higher risk of dying before the age of 60. Although cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among American women, studies show that women still do not recognize their risk, are unaware that their symptoms are different from men's, are less likely to seek treatment when faced with these symptoms, and are less likely than men to be referred for diagnostic testing and treatment by their physicians. What does this say about our Federal health care system? It has not done enough to address women's healthcare needs. I applaud the work that the Congress has done. It successfully passed legislation dealing with cardiovascular disease and stroke, but I would urge the 107th Congress to do more in the fight for heart disease research and funding and to ensure adequate health care access for all of our citizens.”