SR0023 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0023 LRB104 07667 ECR 17711 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined, and yet only 44% of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is the greatest health threat they face; and

WHEREAS, Among females aged 20 and older, nearly 45% are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, and less than half of women entering pregnancy in the United States have optimal cardiovascular health; and

WHEREAS, Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S.; more simply put, heart disease is the number one killer of new mothers; and

WHEREAS, Overall, 10% to 20% of women will have a health issue during pregnancy, and high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes during pregnancy greatly increase a women's risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life; and

WHEREAS, Most cardiac and stroke events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes, including moving more, eating smart, and managing blood pressure; and

WHEREAS, In 2020, strokes caused the deaths of 90,627 females, accounting for approximately 56.5% of total stroke deaths; and

WHEREAS, Women are often less likely to receive bystander CPR because rescuers may fear accusations of inappropriate touching, sexual assault, or injuring the victim; and

WHEREAS, There are significant biological differences between men and women, and clinical trials have not always adequately enrolled women or analyzed sex-specific differences in the data; as of 2020, only 38% of cardiovascular clinical research trial participants are women; and

WHEREAS, By increasing awareness, speaking out about heart disease, and empowering women to reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease, we can save thousands of lives each year; and

WHEREAS, Since 2004, the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of cardiovascular disease, women's greatest health threat, and continues to make bold moves to save lives and pioneer scientific discoveries; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare February 7, 2025 as Wear Red Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge all residents of Illinois to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in women, and to show their support for women and the fight against heart disease by wearing the color red to commemorate this day.