During the month of October, the American Heart Association urges Chattanooga to check blood pressure
The American Heart Association and Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Chattanooga are teaming up to raise awareness about the dangers of high blood pressure.
Officials said, "With almost half of U.S. adults having high blood pressure, it is important for everyone to #CheckIt. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke, and it can be prevented through lifestyle changes and medication."
"High blood pressure is a silent killer that significantly increases the risk of stroke, leading to preventable and inequitable disability, disease and death.
With the rise of stress, unhealthy eating and inactivity, more individuals are putting their heart health—and their lives—at risk. Skipped medications, delayed doctor visits and hesitation to seek emergency care only compound the danger," said Matthew Pearson, CEO of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Chattanooga. "It's critical that everyone monitors their blood pressure regularly, which is why we're proud to support the #CheckIt campaign in our community to help prevent strokes and save lives."
The American Heart Association’s #CheckIt campaign is encouraging everyone to:
1) Check your blood pressure; many local pharmacies and community centers offer free blood pressure checks;
2) Know what these numbers mean and what’s too high;
3) Talk to your doctor to develop a plan to keep this key health indicator in a healthy range; and
4) Encourage friends and family to do the same by posting a photo on social media of you getting your blood pressure checked so others will be encouraged to do it as well, using the hashtag #CheckIt.
“As a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, if we don’t help more adults control their blood pressure, we risk continual reversal of progress made fighting cardiovascular disease here in Chattanooga, “says Emily Niespodziany, executive director of the American Heart Association.
Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 and blood pressure can be largely controlled through a combination of lifestyle changes or medication or both, officials said.
For more information on blood pressure, visit heart.org/bloodpressure. Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Chattanooga is proud to sponsor the #CheckIt campaign.