PA HR16

Designates February 2, 2025, as "Rheumatoid Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to increase public awareness of the disease

Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 1% of the world's population, with more than 1.3 million Americans currently diagnosed

Lifetime risk of developing the disease is 3.6% for women and 1.7% for men

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have 50% higher risk of heart attack and twice the risk of heart failure compared to those without the condition

The date coincides with the start of American Heart Month, highlighting the cardiovascular impacts of rheumatoid disease