84R25265 BPG-D
By: Collier H.R. No. 2414
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of
irregular heartbeat, according to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 95 percent of atrial fibrillation is
nonvalvular, and nonvalvular AF affects an estimated 5.8 million
people in the United States; the risk of stroke is five times
greater for these individuals, and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
is estimated to cost $6.65 billion per year, primarily due to the
direct and indirect costs of hospitalization; and
WHEREAS, In both the United States and Texas, stroke was the
fourth leading cause of death as of 2012; it disproportionately
affects minorities, including African Americans, who are twice as
likely to die from stroke as Caucasians, and Hispanics, who have a
higher rate of hemorrhagic strokes at a younger age than
Caucasians; and
WHEREAS, Risk factors for atrial fibrillation include high
blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, advanced age,
hyperthyroidism, and heart disease; in addition, many modifiable
lifestyle behaviors can lead to a stroke, among them physical
inactivity, tobacco use, poor diet, and heavy alcohol consumption;
and
WHEREAS, Atrial fibrillation is an extremely serious health
issue, but outcomes can be improved with heightened awareness of
the condition and effective measures for treatment and prevention;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize the second week of May 2015 as Atrial
Fibrillation Week.