88R14725 TBO-D

By: Raymond H.R. No. 435

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and approximately 21 million U.S. patients have been diagnosed with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, indicating that they are at risk of a cardiovascular event; and

WHEREAS, In Texas, health care professionals have diagnosed angina, strokes, heart attacks, or coronary heart diseases for more than 1,790,000 adults, and these conditions have been identified as manifestations of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; in addition, over 864,000 adult Texans have reported experiencing a heart attack in their lifetime, and more than 798,000 have reported experiencing a stroke; the heart disease death rate in Texas is 328 deaths per 100,000 individuals over the age of 35, surpassing the national rate of 319.5; and

WHEREAS, Research shows that atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is linked to the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries, and the risk of cardiovascular events can be reduced by decreasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels; nearly 70 million U.S. adults had higher than recommended LDL-C levels in 2016, and more than 43 million U.S. residents are currently being treated with lipid-lowering therapies to manage cardiovascular risk; statins are one of the leading lipid-lowering therapies, and 20 percent of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease patients taking statins have achieved healthy levels of LDL-C; and

WHEREAS, The total direct and indirect cost of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the U.S. was $555 billion in 2016, and the cost is projected to reach $1.1 trillion by 2035; each year, the State of Texas spends an estimated $10.53 billion on direct medical expenses for health care related to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; and

WHEREAS, Cardiovascular diseases impact the lives of countless residents across the state, and it is vital that these Texans have access to quality health care; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby urge the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to expand their comprehensive cardiovascular screening programs and explore ways to collaborate with federal and national agencies and organizations to establish or expand cardiovascular screening programs; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Texas cardiovascular plan should be updated to enhance the quality of care rendered to patients and improve health outcomes; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby express support for the creation of policies to lower the rates of death caused by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the chief clerk of the Texas House of Representatives forward an official copy of this resolution to the commissioners of the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.