Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a chronic cardiovascular disease involving thickening of the heart muscle and can potentially lead to debilitating symptoms and serious complications including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and in rare cases, sudden cardiac death; and

WHEREAS, HCM is the most common inheritable heart disease and can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity with a reported prevalence ranging from 1 in 200 to 1 in 500 in the general population; and

WHEREAS, an estimated 700,000 to 1,650,000 people in the United States have HCM, yet 85% of them may remain undiagnosed; and

WHEREAS, HCM shares symptoms with other common cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, palpitations, and fainting, making it difficult to distinguish HCM from these other diseases; and

WHEREAS, when untreated, all-cause mortality risk is 3 to 4 times higher in patients with HCM than that of the general population; and

WHEREAS, knowing one’s medical history and any signs and symptoms of HCM is an important first step in receiving an accurate diagnosis; and

WHEREAS, following a diagnosis of HCM, it is important for patients to work with their healthcare provider to learn more about their disease and understand different management options; and

WHEREAS, the month of February is American Heart Month, so it is appropriate to set aside a day during this month of recognition to observe Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize February 28, 2024, as HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY AWARENESS DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations