Title
Proclamation declaring the week of February 7, 2013 to February 14, 2013 as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week in the City of Pflugerville.
Summary
Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) are the number one birth defect in the United States. They include structural defects, congenital arrythmias and cardiomyopathies. Congenital Heart Defects are defects of the heart that exist primarily at birth, and includes a wide variety of different abnormalities affecting the heart. Congenital Heart Defects occur when the heart or blood vessels near the heart do not develop properly before birth. The heart does not pump because it is not completely developed, and the blood flow is obstructed in the heart of the vessels nearby which causes an abnormal flow of blood through the heart. Blood flow obstructions put a strain on the heart muscle causing the heart to work harder and beat faster. Abnormal blood flow usually occurs when there is a hole in the wall of the heart and/or an abnormal connection between two arteries outside the heart.
Families of children with congenital and acquired heart disease, adults with congenital heart defects, and the professionals who work with them are joining forces to have February 7-14, 2013 proclaimed as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. Mayor Jeff Coleman is scheduled to read and present the proclamation at the February 12, 2013 regular Council Meeting.
Staff Recommendation
Conduct the presentation.
Drafter
Karen Thompson
City Secretary