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PRINTER'S NO. 1617
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 229
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY HANBIDGE, VENKAT, HILL-EVANS, SANCHEZ, FREEMAN,
KHAN, HOHENSTEIN, D. WILLIAMS AND NEILSON, MAY 5, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, MAY 6, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing September 19, 2025, as "Aortic Disease Awareness
Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The aorta is the largest artery in the body,
originating just after the aortic valve, and it is connected to
the heart, extends through the entire chest and abdomen and
carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to supply the body;
and
WHEREAS, There are multiple aortic diseases and conditions,
including aortic stenosis, traumatic aortic ruptures, congenital
and hereditary aortic defects such as Marfan syndrome and
abdominal aortic aneurysms; and
WHEREAS, More than 25,000 Americans die each year from aortic
stenosis, the most common form of aortic disease, which occurs
when a damaged valve either blocks or reduces the blood being
pumped from the heart, causing heart and circulatory problems;
and
WHEREAS, A traumatic aortic rupture is the near-complete tear
through all the layers of the aorta due to trauma such as that
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sustained in a motor vehicle collision or a fall; and
WHEREAS, Aortic ruptures are the second-most common cause of
death associated with motor vehicle accidents; and
WHEREAS, Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that damages
connective tissues and can cause heart problems; and
WHEREAS, One in 5,000 people have this condition with a 50%
chance they will pass it on to the next generation; and
WHEREAS, More than 13,000 Americans die each year as a result
of abdominal aortic aneurysms, a condition in which there is
plaque buildup in the walls of the abdominal aorta, causing it
to become weak and build up like a balloon; and
WHEREAS, A major risk factor for the development of aortic
diseases is smoking, and more than 90% of patients with such
aneurysms have been smokers; and
WHEREAS, Other risk factors include being older than 50 years
of age, being male as occurrence in males is 4 to 5 times
greater than that of females, a family history with abdominal
aortic aneurysm, genetic factors, high cholesterol, high blood
pressure, diabetes and obesity; and
WHEREAS, Medicare Part A will cover surgeries and hospital
stays, while Part B will cover prevention screenings, cardiac
rehabilitation, counseling and exercise programs; and
WHEREAS, Treatment for aortic conditions includes monitoring
with MRI or CT scans, controlling high blood pressure and
lowering cholesterol, abdominal aortic aneurysm open repair or
endovascular aneurysm repair; and
WHEREAS, Prevention of aortic conditions from occurring or
worsening entails refraining from using tobacco products,
maintaining a healthy diet, keeping blood pressure and
cholesterol under control and regular physical exercise; and
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WHEREAS, "Aortic Disease Awareness Day" seeks to educate
Pennsylvanians about the health risks associated with the
asymptomatic and lethal condition; and
WHEREAS, As a Commonwealth, we can take the appropriate steps
to identify and prevent serious complications due to aortic
conditions in this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, "Aortic Disease Awareness Day" provides the
opportunity for residents of this Commonwealth to show support
for aging adults living with abdominal aortic aneurysms by
educating people on the condition, promoting health screenings,
encouraging a healthy lifestyle and commemorating the loved ones
lost to aortic diseases; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize
September 19, 2025, as "Aortic Disease Awareness Day" in
Pennsylvania.
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