Virginia - The heart of the matter
the hcm act will help identify Cardiac Health issues in patients with a spectrum of Diseases including Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a sudden, unexpected death caused by loss of heart function (sudden cardiac arrest). Sudden cardiac death is the largest cause of natural death in the United States, causing about 325,000 adult deaths in the United States each year.
Multiple conditions and risks can make children prone to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) or sudden cardiac death (SCD) as well as other complications of heart disease. To date, the focus has mainly been only on screening student-athletes.
By the numbers:
One of the disorders in the spectrum is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy which is often misdiagnosed or worse yet - overlooked until it is too late.
But with more attention focused on this problem, we can improve the diagnosis delay.
There are close to 6,500 Virginia State constituents potentially affected with cardiac disorders per EACH State Senator’s District, with up to 1,000 being Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy*.
The HCMA has many members from Virginia. They share a deep understanding of the benefits of childhood screening and early diagnosis.
Help save us now:
Claude Brady was the first patient to be diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The HCMA designates September 18th as "Claude Brady" day. Using his disease presentation as well as information from his siblings, doctors were able to describe HCM in a modern fashion. Claude exceeded all expectations by living a full and wonderful life 32 years after his heart transplant in 1989. He peacefully passed away on January 25, 2022.
Him and his wife founded the Washington, DC chapter of TRIO (Transplant Recipients International Organization). They were a source of information, comfort, and inspiration to many members of the transplant community.
Like Mr. Brady and his family, there are up to 2,650 constituents potentially affected with cardiac disorders per House Delegate Member’s District in Virginia with up to 410 being Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
To view the full report on the prevalence of cardiac disorders in the state of Virginia: Click here
Please, listen to our patient stories, and take action to support the HCM Act. Draft legislation is available for review: https://4hcm.org/health-cardiac-monitoring-act/