Recognizing the Rise of Cardiovascular Disease as the World's Leading Cause of Death and Disability and Supporting the Recognition of February 2025 as "American Heart Month."

Recognizing the Rise of Cardiovascular Disease as the World’s Leading Cause of Death and Disability and Supporting the Recognition of February 2025 as “American Heart Month.” WHEREAS, The heart is a vital organ that circulates blood throughout the body, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients. A healthy heart means that the body is equipped to face day-to-day activities, exercise, and stress. Yet, c ardiovascular health remains a critical public health concern. Heart disease stands as the leading cause of death in Philadelphia and claims hundreds of thousands of lives across the United States annually; and WHEREAS, C ardiovascular disease encompasses a range of conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and heart failure, and poses significant risks to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Heart health is essential to overall well-being, as problems with cardiovascular health not only impact individuals and their families, but also place a significant burden on communities and healthcare systems; and WHEREAS, More than 350,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year. About 70 percent of these occur at home, and only about 1 in 10 survive. More than 23,000 children under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year in the United States, with almost 40 percent of these incidents being sports related; and WHEREAS, CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. However, only …