K 415: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Hypertension Awareness Month in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 415 BY: M. of A. Jensen MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Hypertension Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, affects nearly half of all adults in the United States and is a leading risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases; and WHEREAS, Hypertension often goes undetected and untreated, leading to severe health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, and contributing to nearly 500,000 deaths per year in the United States; and WHEREAS, Only about one in four adults in the United States have their hypertension under control; and WHEREAS, Healthcare costs in the United States associated with hypertension account for about $131 billion per year, while individuals with hypertension are estimated to face nearly $2,000 higher annual healthcare expenditures compared to those without hypertension; and WHEREAS, Recent advancements in medical technology have introduced U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved renal denervation therapies as a promising treatment for resistant hypertension, offering hope to patients who do not respond adequately to conventional treatments; and WHEREAS, Renal denervation therapies have demonstrated clinical and real-world results in reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular outcomes; and WHEREAS, Access to innovative treatments is essential for improving public health and reducing the burden of hypertension-related complications; and WHEREAS, A recent scientific statement from the American Heart Association suggests that "renal denervation presents a novel treatment strategy for patients with uncontrolled blood pressure"; and WHEREAS, Healthcare providers, public health organizations, and community groups are encouraged to participate in activities and initiatives highlighting the importance of hypertension management and prevention; and WHEREAS, The month of May is recognized as National Hypertension Month to raise awareness about the importance of preventing, detecting, and managing hypertension; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Hypertension Awareness Month in the State of New York, and to promote awareness, education, and prevention of hypertension; and it be further RESOLVED, That efforts to educate the public about the risks of hypertension and the benefits of early detection and treatment, including the potential role of renal denervation and other innovative therapies, be supported; 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.