The resolution urges the Governor of New Jersey to instruct relevant state departments and agencies to take action aimed at reducing fatalities associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which is the leading cause of death in the United States. With approximately 21 million Americans diagnosed with ASCVD and a significant number of individuals at risk due to high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), the resolution highlights the urgent need for improved screening, treatment, and monitoring of cardiovascular health. The financial burden of ASCVD is substantial, with costs projected to rise from $555 billion in 2016 to $1.1 trillion by 2035, and New Jersey alone spends an estimated $3.39 billion annually on related medical expenses.
To address this public health crisis, the resolution calls for a comprehensive review and update of existing policies by state agencies, as well as collaboration with federal and national organizations to enhance cardiovascular health screening programs. Additionally, it urges the Department of Health to revise the state's cardiovascular plan to improve care quality for ASCVD patients, ultimately aiming for better health outcomes. The resolution emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to combat the rising incidence of ASCVD and its associated fatalities.