More than 37% of adults in Hamilton County have been diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension) according to the TN Department of Health. It’s estimated that there are many more people who have high blood pressure that is undiagnosed. “Because there aren’t noticeable symptoms, many people aren’t aware that they have high blood pressure,” said Dr. Eric Conn, cardiologist with The Chattanooga Heart Institute at Memorial. “This is why hypertension is commonly called the silent killer. It can lead to heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.”
Although blood pressure testing is one of the easiest and most important routine health checks available, many people neglect to get their pressure checked. The Chattanooga Heart Institute at Memorial is making blood pressure testing more accessible to the community by sponsoring a permanent Heart Check Center™ blood pressure testing kiosk at Hamilton Place Mall. The kiosk is located outside the second floor entrance to Dillard’s department store.
The blood pressure kiosk is free to use, requires no appointment, and is not invasive. The user simply places his/her arm in the testing cuff and the Heart Check Center provides a clear and accurate blood pressure reading in just two minutes. Blood pressure reading cards are available so that a record of results can be kept.
The Heart Check Center™ is not only easy to use - it can save lives. Undiagnosed and uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to serious medical conditions. The only way to determine high blood pressure is to have it checked. Free literature on what the readings mean and how to prevent and lower high blood pressure is available at the kiosk. There is also a phone number for The Chattanooga Heart Institute for those who have concerns about their blood pressure readings.
“The Chattanooga Heart Institute at Memorial is pleased to offer this service to the community,” said Dr. Conn. “The Heart Check Center provides an easy way for the public to regularly check their blood pressure and is an effective way for us to provide educational information about the importance of blood pressure screening.”