U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) met with Mississippi health professionals in Washington, D.C., during the American College of Cardiology Legislative Conference to discuss efforts to improve heart health in the state. The meeting followed Hyde-Smith’s introduction of a bipartisan resolution intended to raise public awareness about heart disease.
Hyde-Smith, who is a member of the Senate appropriations subcommittee responsible for funding federal health programs, and the attending physicians talked about challenges facing rural healthcare in Mississippi, including limited access to cardiologists. They also addressed how high blood pressure and heart conditions contribute to maternal and infant mortality rates in the state.
“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.
Last month, Hyde-Smith introduced a resolution designating National Cholesterol Education Month. The measure encourages Americans to monitor their cholesterol levels and take steps to prevent cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
“Heart disease continues to take far too many lives across the country and right at home in Mississippi,” Hyde-Smith said. “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 ranks among the five states with the highest rates of cardiovascular disease. State data shows that around 8,000 Mississippians die each year due to heart disease.
The resolution is cosponsored by 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.). It highlights projections that cardiovascular disease will increase sharply nationwide by 2060 and calls for more screening and treatment as well as public awareness about low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) numbers.
Additionally, the resolution expresses continued support for the national Million Hearts initiative, which aims to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes over five years through coordinated efforts across sectors.
“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.
