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. Collier ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2414 was adopted by the House on May 21, 2015, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House