HYDE-SMITH, MISS. PHYSICIANS DISCUSS IMPROVING HEART HEALTH

HYDE-SMITH, MISS. PHYSICIANS DISCUSS IMPROVING HEART HEALTH

Meeting Follows Hyde-Smith Introduction of a National Cholesterol Education Resolution

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PHOTO: Senator Hyde-Smith Meets with Mississippi Members of the American College of Cardiology: (from left) Tiffany Leister, FNP-BC, Stern Cardiovascular Foundation, Braxton; Leslie Barry, NP, Jackson Heart Clinic, Oxford; Senator Hyde-Smith; Barry Bertolet, MD FACC, Cardiology Associates of North Mississippi, Tupelo; and, Dharmesh Patel, FACC, Stern Cardiovascular Foundation, Southaven.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Coming on the heels of her introduction of a bipartisan resolution to elevate public awareness around heart disease, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today met with Mississippi health professionals in Washington for the American College of Cardiology Legislative Conference.

Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee that funds federal health programs, and the group discussed the state's ongoing challenges in improving rural healthcare and access to cardiologists, as well as the impact of high blood pressure and heart issues associated with the state's maternal and infant mortality rate.

"I enjoyed hearing from our American College of Cardiology delegates. Mississippi is making progress in improving heart health, but so much needs to be done from the top down," Hyde-Smith said.

In September, Hyde-Smith introduced a resolution recognizing National Cholesterol Education Month. It encourages Americans to learn more about their cholesterol levels and take proactive steps toward preventing cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

"Heart disease continues to take far too many lives across the country and right at home in Mississippi," said Hyde-Smith. "I'm proud this resolution has bipartisan support because we all have a stake in promoting heart health. Knowing your cholesterol numbers and understanding their impact is a simple but powerful step in preventing tragedy."

Mississippi remains among the top five states with the highest rates of cardiovascular disease. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, approximately 8,000 Mississippians die from heart disease each year.

Cosponsored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Katie Britt (R-Ala.), the Hyde-Smith measure cites alarming projections that cardiovascular disease in the U.S. is expected to rise sharply by 2060. It urges Americans to know their low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) numbers and advocates for increased screening and treatment to curb the disease's impact.

The resolution also reaffirms support for the national Million Hearts initiative, which aims to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes over a five-year period through coordinated public and private action.

"Raising awareness and expanding access to screening can save lives. This is one more step toward empowering Americans with the tools they need to protect their heart health," Hyde-Smith said.

Read the National Cholesterol Education Month Resolution here.

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