MS HC119

Recognizes heart disease as the leading cause of death for women, claiming a life every 60 seconds and more women's lives than the next eight causes of death combined.

Acknowledges that African-American and Latina women face higher heart disease and stroke risk factors than Caucasian women of comparable socioeconomic status.

Encourages creation of public policies through the State Department of Health to raise awareness, promote education, and increase screening programs for early detection and prevention of heart disease in women.

Supports continuation of programs such as "Go Red for Women" (American Heart Association) and WISEWOMAN (Centers for Disease Control) designed to improve prevention and treatment access.

Calls for increased participation of women from different races and age groups in cardiovascular clinical trials to identify best treatment options for all women.