House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

Posted:	January 13, 2020 10:16 AM
From:	Representative Liz Hanbidge
To:	All House members
Subject:	Bringing Awareness to Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Each year, over 13,000 Americans die as a result of abdominal aortic aneurysms caused when the abdominal aorta becomes weak and blows up like a balloon due to plaque buildup. The condition is typically asymptomatic and is extremely deadly if left untreated, with a mortality rate of 80 – 90%. Those who are most at risk are men over the age of 65, particularly those who use tobacco. Other risk factors include a family history of the condition, genetic predispositions, high cholesterol and blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. One of the ways to identify the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm before its rupture is to get an ultrasound screening. Medicare Part B recipients are covered for such a procedure once if an individual is considered at risk. It is of the utmost importance that we spread awareness of this dangerous condition to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment before it becomes lethal. For this reason, I will introduce a resolution to designate February 4, 2020, as “Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Awareness Day.” Please join me in bringing attention to this deadly condition so that individuals at risk may get the appropriate preventative care before it is too late.
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Introduced as HR690