The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, is offering a new self-measured blood pressure initiative at East Park Recreation Center.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 31.4% of adults in Middle Tennessee have high blood pressure. To help address this critical issue, the American Heart Assoication has placed 15 self-measured blood pressure stations in community settings across Davidson County.
“This program makes it easier for people to keep an eye on their blood pressure and take simple steps towards better heart health,” said Candace Jones, vice president of Community Impact for the American Heart Association Middle Tennessee. “By meeting people where they are, in spaces they trust, we’re helping break down barriers and make heart health more accessible.”
The initiative 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.
“We are proud to support this program that helps improve lives in our community through easier access to blood pressure monitoring,” said Dr. Ajit Sing, division chief medical officer for the HCA Healthcare TriStar Division. “We know one of the best ways to fight heart disease is through prevention and taking proactive steps to combat high blood pressure. Through this collaboration, we are creating healthier tomorrows for the communities we serve.”
Disparities in high blood pressure prevalence across Middle Tennessee 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.
Regular measurement of blood pressure outside of a doctor’s office helps ensure patients are diagnosed more accurately. Self-monitoring is also associated with a reduction in blood pressure numbers and improved blood pressure control.
“This is what community is about,” said East Park program coordinator, Patricia Watts. “It can’t do anything but add to the community center and what we’re offering to our patrons here in East Nashville. To me it was an automatic yes.”
The American Heart Association’s blood pressure education initiatives in the Greater Nashville area are supported by TriStar Health/HCA Healthcare Foundation. For more information about high blood pressure, visit www.heart.org/HBP.
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