SCR38

A Concurrent Resolution urging the Governor to direct all relevant State departments and agencies to help decrease the number of fatalities caused by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Whereas, Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; and

Whereas, According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 21 million Americans have been diagnosed with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and are at risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event; and

Whereas, The Mayo Clinic states that ASCVD is linked to the buildup of cholesterol in arteries, and that risks associated with the buildup of cholesterol in arteries can be reduced by lowering the levels of a specific kind of cholesterol, namely low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C); and

Whereas, In 2016, nearly 70 million adults in the United States had higher-than-recommended LDL-C levels; and

Whereas, Approximately 43.1 million Americans are currently treated with lipid-lowering therapies to manage cardiovascular risk; and

Whereas, Only 20 percent of individuals with ASCVD who are taking statins, which are one of the leading lipid-lowering therapies, actually achieve healthy levels of LDL-C; and

Whereas, The total direct and indirect cost of ASCVD in the United States was $555 billion in 2016, and, according to the American Heart Association, is projected to climb to $1.1 trillion by 2035; and

Whereas, In New Jersey, as of 2019, 566,100 adults had been informed by a health care professional that they had angina, a stroke, a heart attack, or coronary heart disease, which are some of the manifestations of ASCVD; and

Whereas, New Jersey spends an estimated $3.39 billion dollars on direct and indirect medical expenses for ASCVD care each year; and

Whereas, It is altogether fitting for the Legislature to encourage all relevant State agencies and departments to update existing policies with the goal of decreasing the rising number of fatalities caused by ASCVD; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey (the General Assembly concurring):

1. a. The Legislature respectfully urges the Governor to direct each relevant department and agency within the executive branch to review and update existing policies with the goal of decreasing the rising number of fatalities caused as a result of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

b. The Legislature respectfully urges the Governor to direct each relevant department and agency within the executive branch to explore ways to collaborate with federal and national agencies and organizations to establish or expand comprehensive cardiovascular health screening programs.

c. The Legislature respectfully urges the Department of Health to update the State’s cardiovascular plan to accelerate quality improvements in the care rendered to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease patients in order to achieve better screening, treatment, monitoring, and improved health outcomes.

2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the General Assembly to the Governor and to the heads of each department and agency within the executive branch.

STATEMENT

This resolution urges the Governor to direct all relevant State departments and agencies to help decrease number of fatalities caused by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 21 million Americans have been diagnosed with ASCVD, and are at risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event. The Mayo Clinic states that ASCVD is linked to the buildup of cholesterol in arteries, and that risks associated with the buildup of cholesterol in arteries can be reduced by lowering the levels of a specific kind of cholesterol, namely low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).

In 2016, nearly 70 million adults in the United States had higher-than-recommended LDL-C levels. Approximately 43.1 million Americans are currently treated with lipid-lowering therapies to manage cardiovascular risk. Only 20 percent of individuals with ASCVD who are taking statins, which are one of the leading lipid-lowering therapies, actually achieve healthy levels of LDL-C.

The total direct and indirect cost of ASCVD in the United States was $555 billion in 2016, and, according to the American Heart Association, is projected to climb to $1.1 trillion by 2035. In New Jersey, as of 2019, 566,100 adults had been informed by a health care professional that they had angina, a stroke, a heart attack, or coronary heart disease, which are some of the manifestations of ASCVD. New Jersey spends an estimated $3.39 billion dollars on direct and indirect medical expenses for ASCVD care each year.

Urges Governor to direct all relevant State departments and agencies to help decrease number of fatalities caused by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.