The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, is offering a new self-measured blood pressure initiative through the YWCA’s Weaver Domestic Violence Center.
According to new research published in the American Heart Association’s flagship journal Circulation, those subjected to intimate partner violence face about a 30% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to others.
“High blood pressure is a leading, controllable risk factor for heart disease and stroke here in Middle Tennessee. Yet too many women lack access to the resources they need to manage it,” said Candace Jones, American Heart Association vice president of community impact. “Working with the Weaver Center, we’re ensuring these women have the tools and support to take control of their health and reduce their risk.”
About one in three women have been stalked at some point in their lives, according to data on intimate partner violence collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Women who reported having been stalked or obtained a restraining order were each more likely to experience a heart attack and/or stroke in later years compared to those who did not.
“Our partnership with the American Heart Association is such a meaningful step in caring for the whole person—body, mind, and heart,” said Daffany Baker, YWCA Nashville and Middle Tennessee Sr. vice president of domestic violence services. “For survivors to have this blood pressure station right here at Weaver Center allows us to address an often-overlooked part of healing—heart health. We’re so thankful to the American Heart Association for making that possible.”
The program aims to improve access to vital health resources and reduce barriers to care. Many people who have high blood pressure are unaware of the condition. Left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, kidney disease or failure, stroke and other health threats.
In Middle Tennessee, 31.4% of adults have high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Disparities in high blood pressure prevalence across the Midstate are related to social and economic factors such as lack of access to affordable and healthy food, opportunities for physical activity, and even discrimination. This is exemplified in the 15-year life expectancy gap between some Nashville communities.
The American Heart Association’s blood pressure education initiatives in the Greater Nashville area are supported by TriStar Health/HCA Healthcare Foundation.
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