Trahan, Guthrie Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Support Women's Cardiovascular Health During American Heart Month

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Health Subcommittee, and Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) introduced a bipartisan resolution to support women's cardiovascular health during American Heart Month.

"Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women in this country -- but it often goes misdiagnosed," said Congresswoman Trahan. "Women -- particularly women of color -- are underrepresented in clinical trials for new treatments, and inadequate education surrounding treatment options leaves too many unable to access critical tools that can significantly increase their quality of life. As American Heart Month comes to an end, I'm proud to join with Congressman Guthrie to introduce a bipartisan resolution to support women's cardiovascular health, strengthening women and saving lives in the Third District and beyond."

"My friend Representative Andy Barr, along with too many other Kentuckians, know the pain of losing a loved one to cardiovascular disease, as it's the number one cause of death for women in the United States," said Congressman Guthrie. "During American Heart Month, I'm proud to join Representative Lori Trahan in introducing a bipartisan resolution that promotes women's cardiovascular health. This resolution specifically expresses the need to provide women with greater access to clinical trials for cardiovascular treatments. As the top Republican of the Energy and Commerce Committee's Health Subcommittee, I will continue to tirelessly advocate for innovation and access to treatments for cardiovascular disease."

Specifically, the bipartisan resolution supports federal efforts to increase participation of women in cardiovascular intervention clinical trials; recognizes the critical importance of education and awareness of advanced cardiovascular treatment options for women; and encourages health care providers, drug and device manufacturers, and patient advocates to collaborate on ways to improve cardiovascular health among women.

The resolution is supported by advocacy groups, including The Mended Hearts, Inc., the nation's premier peer-support program for patients who have cardiovascular disease, their caregivers, and their families.

"The Mended Hearts, Inc. applauds Representatives Lori Trahan and Brett Guthrie for introducing this Resolution supporting women's cardiovascular health and raising awareness of women's lack of participation in clinical trials," said The Mended Hearts, Inc. Executive Director Andrea Baer. "We urge other House members to join them in cosponsoring this important step to raise awareness of the issue."

The resolution is also supported by members of HerFATE, a nonprofit patient group for women who have survived heart failure.

"As a survivor of heart failure and member of HerFATE, I know firsthand that women can present with less typical signs of a heart attack than men," said HerFATE member Nancy Myers. "At the time of my heart attack, even as a registered nurse, I overlooked the symptoms of shortness of breath during exercise and occasional nausea and fatigue. I was fortunate to have a wonderful medical team and innovative therapy, which allowed my heart to recover. I commend Reps. Lori Trahan and Brett Guthrie for supporting needed education on women's cardiovascular health and increased participation in clinical trials. Through education and more clinical data, lives will be saved."

Text of the resolution can be found HERE.

Original co-sponsors (co-leads bolded): Representatives Guthrie, Welch, Trone, Sewell, Carter (GA), Fitzpatrick, Bacon, Moulton, Rush, and Frankel.

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