Tragically, heart disease remains a leading cause of death in the United States. It affects Americans of all genders, races and ethnicities. However, despite being one of the most expensive and deadly diseases in the country, it is among the most preventable. During American Heart Month, we renewed our commitment to fight this disease, promoting better health, well-being and awareness about prevention in our communities.
Heart disease can affect anyone, but risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, tobacco use and alcohol abuse can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. By adopting some healthy habits, each of us can reduce our risk. Avoiding smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, making balanced and nutritious food choices and staying active can help prevent or treat conditions that lead to heart disease. Adults with heart problems are also at increased risk of serious illness due to COVID-19, which makes it even more important to follow these suggestions.
We saw the heart attack death rate increase dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic because people are delaying or not seeking care after experiencing symptoms. It is important not to ignore the first warning signs, such as chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath and sudden dizziness. And the symptoms of a heart attack can be different for men and women, an often overlooked fact that can impact when people seek care. For more resources and information, follow your doctor’s advice or visit www.CDC.gov/HeartDisease.
My government is committed to supporting Americans in their efforts to achieve heart health. According to the Affordable Care Act, many insurance plans cover preventive services, such as blood pressure testing and obesity, at no direct cost to the patient. By protecting and expanding access to affordable, quality healthcare, we will work tirelessly to provide all Americans with the care they need to prevent and treat heart disease.
We are also committed to eliminating racial disparities in cardiovascular health. Despite a general decline in death rates from heart disease, the risk of death from heart disease differs by race and ethnicity, and black Americans continue to have the highest death rate from heart disease. Increasing awareness and access to care will help to reduce these disconcerting and unacceptable statistics.
This month, we also paid tribute to the health professionals, researchers and advocates of heart health who saved the lives of our fellow citizens with their hard work. Every day, they put themselves at the forefront of our fight against heart disease, as well as the scourge of COVID-19.
The First Lady and I encourage everyone to attend National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 5th. By using red, we pay tribute to those we have lost to heart disease and raise awareness of the steps we can all take to prevent this devastating disease. Combating heart disease is essential to improving public health in our nation and, together, we will renew our efforts to make all Americans aware of its signs and symptoms. This month, we renew our commitment to building a healthier future for everyone.
In recognition of the importance of the ongoing fight against cardiovascular disease, Congress, by a Joint Resolution passed on December 30, 1963, as amended (36 USC 101), requested that the President issue an annual proclamation designating February as “American Heart Month. . “
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, proclaim February 2021 as American Heart Month and invite all Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on February 5, 2021. I I also invite the governors of the States, the Community of Puerto Rico, officials from other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and the American people to join me in recognizing and reaffirming our commitment to fighting cardiovascular disease.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I declare my hand on this third day of February, the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-one, and the Independence of the United States of America, two hundred and forty-five.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.