PRINTER'S NO. 3208

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

No.

690

Session of

2020

INTRODUCED BY HANBIDGE, BURNS, SCHLOSSBERG, LONGIETTI, KIM,

KORTZ, BIZZARRO, SHUSTERMAN, KINSEY, MURT, MILLARD, ULLMAN,

FREEMAN, ROEBUCK, DeLUCA, READSHAW AND PASHINSKI,

of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, 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, The aorta is the largest artery in the body,

originating just after the aortic valve connected to the heart

and extends through the entire chest and abdomen and carries

oxygenated blood away from the heart to supply the body; and

WHEREAS, The threshold for an abdominal aortic aneurysm is

considered when the aortic diameter is three centimeters or when

the abdominal aorta exceeds its normal diameter by 50%; and

showing no signs of its development until rupture; and

WHEREAS, Rupture of the abdominal aorta is often lethal, with

a mortality rate of 85% to 90%, and of those persons who reach

the hospital after an abdominal aortic aneurysm, only 50% to 70%

survive; and

WHEREAS, The majority of abdominal aortic aneurysms are the

result of atherosclerosis, a chronic degenerative disease of the

artery wall in which fat, cholesterol and other substances build

up in the walls of the arteries and form plaques; and

WHEREAS, A major risk factor for the development of an

high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity; and

WHEREAS, Most Americans afflicted with the condition are men

over 65 years of age, with the United States Preventive Services

Task Force recommending screening in men 65 to 75 years of age

with a history of smoking and selective screening in men 65 to

75 years of age without a history of smoking; and

WHEREAS, Medicare Part B covers an abdominal aortic

ultrasound screening once if an individual is considered at

risk, meaning, an individual that has a family history of

abdominal aortic aneurysms or a man between 65 to 75 years of

or endovascular aneurysm repair; and

WHEREAS, Prevention of abdominal aortic aneurysms 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

WHEREAS, "Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Awareness Day" seeks to

educate Pennsylvanians about health risks associated with the

asymptomatic and lethal condition; and

WHEREAS, We as a Commonwealth can take the appropriate steps

to identify and prevent serious complications due to abdominal

loved ones lost to abdominal aortic aneurysms; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize

February 4, 2020, as "Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Awareness Day"

in Pennsylvania.