Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Joyce Beatty (D-OH), co-chairs of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition, have introduced a resolution, HRes. 860, in the House of Representatives recognizing February as American Heart Month. The resolution is supported by both the ACC and the American Heart Association.

"Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death worldwide. While awareness of heart disease prevention is increasing, it is not nearly fast enough to curb the spread of this deadly disease, which is largely preventable in many cases," said ACC President Richard Kovacs, MD, FACC. "The ACC thanks Reps. Joyce Beatty and Chris Smith for their continued advocacy to end the global health crisis of heart disease."

According to Smith, the number of cases of coronary heart disease in his home state of New Jersey alone is unacceptable. "We must continue to work together to know and understand the risks of CVD, and the small steps we can take to prevent it," he said. Beatty, herself a stroke survivor, noted there are many steps Americans can do right now to decrease their risk of heart disease, "including exercising, eating a balanced diet, and knowing the early warning signs."

"The ACC is committed to working with Congress to continue raising awareness of heart disease prevention and to increase funding for cardiovascular research this Heart Month and every month," said Kovacs. Follow @ACCinTouch and @Cardiology on Twitter for more information on Heart Month activities throughout the rest of February.

Keywords: ACC Advocacy, American Heart Association, Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart Diseases

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