PENNSYLVANIA, May 6 - WHEREAS, Between 1987 and 2015, pregnancy-related deaths rose

by 140%; and

WHEREAS, Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of

pregnancy-related deaths; and

WHEREAS, In the United States high blood pressure during

pregnancy, or Preeclampsia, is becoming more common; and

WHEREAS, Preeclampsia is one of the most common issues facing

mothers, increasing a woman's chances of eventually dying of

cardiovascular disease by 75%; and

WHEREAS, Even though women face unique risks for stroke they

can help to assure a healthier tomorrow by checking their blood

pressure each morning, talking to their healthcare team if

readings are consistently above 120/80 and getting active and

dropping one unhealthy food from their day; and

WHEREAS, New and effective treatments have been developed to

treat and minimize the severity and damaging effect of strokes

when administered as soon as possible after symptom onset; and

WHEREAS, The F.A.S.T. warning signs and symptoms of stroke

include face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty and time

to call 911; and

WHEREAS, Beyond F.A.S.T., additional stroke warning signs and

symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or

leg especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion,

trouble speaking or understanding, sudden trouble seeing in one

or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance

or coordination and sudden severe headache with no known cause;

and

WHEREAS, During "Stroke Awareness Month" in May 2021, and

year-round, the American Stroke Association's "Together to End

Stroke®" initiative encourages Americans to manage their blood

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