For Immediate Release:
NEW YORK, NY, March 29, 2018 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, commends the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene’s recent announcement to add more than 1,200 blood pressure check locations across the five boroughs. By making blood pressure monitoring available at no cost in pharmacies, New Yorkers can better understand their risk for high blood pressure and utilize resources, like our Check.Change.Control. Tracker to discover action plans suited to meet everyone’s health goals.
High blood pressure or hypertension is when your blood pressure, the force of the blood flowing through your blood vessels, is consistently too high. High blood pressure is a “silent killer.” If left untreated, the damage that high blood pressure does to your circulatory system is a significant factor contributing to heart attack, stroke and other health threats.
“The Department of Health’s recent announcement to increase access to free blood pressure checks throughout New York City has the potential to save thousands of lives. According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, and many don’t even know they have it,” says Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, member of the American Heart Association NYC Advocacy Committee. “The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked. These new locations can help New Yorkers know their blood pressure numbers, understand their risk, and track their health information. This can also help with better communication with their health care providers, to get proper treatment and guidance about managing their health. With careful monitoring, treatment and lifestyle changes, you can live a long and healthy life.”
The Check. Change. Control. ® Tracker provides information about your condition with relevant educational content, tools and resources. Individuals can gain a better understanding of their current health information and will discover action plans suited to their current health needs. The CCC Tracker allows you to set up text message reminders, text in readings and to connect with a volunteer health mentor to encourage you to reach your goal to have your blood pressure under control. For more information visit www.heart.org/ccc
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CONTACT: Diego Ortiz Quintero
American Heart Association
212-878-5903
Email: [email protected]