Senate Resolution No. 2249

BY: Senator RIVERA

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 2024, as Hypertension Awareness Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
health issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2024, as Hypertension
Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Hypertension Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, affects
nearly half of all Americans and is a major risk factor for heart
disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death in the United
States; and

WHEREAS, In 2021, the latest year for which data is available,
Hypertension was a primary or contributing cause of death for more than
691,000 people in the United States; and

WHEREAS, The most important preventable risk factor for premature
death worldwide, Hypertension increases the risk of ischemic heart
disease, strokes, peripheral vascular diseases, aortic aneurysms, and
atherosclerosis, as well as chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation,
leukemia, pulmonary embolisms, cognitive impairment, and dementia; and

WHEREAS, Hypertension can be difficult to diagnose and manage, as
the symptoms that portend Hypertension are due to nonspecific lifestyle
and genetic factors; and

WHEREAS, Hypertension can cause serious pregnancy complications in
the form of pre-eclampsia, which increases the risk of pregnancy
complications such as premature birth, low birthweight, or stillbirth;
Hypertension during pregnancy can double the risk of stillbirth; and

WHEREAS, Hypertension affects non-Hispanic black adults at rates
several times higher than that of other populations and thus is a
contributing factor to disparate health outcomes faced in New York; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Legislature continues its commitment to
educate the public in the importance of early detection and prevention,
to support institutions that further research and knowledge in the
treatment of hypertension and to promote an environment in which a
healthy lifestyle will result in healthy minds and bodies; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2024, as Hypertension
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.