FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK, NY, February 7, 2018 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, applauds Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration’s plan to install 100 blood pressure kiosk units each year for the next three years in city buildings and pharmacies throughout the five boroughs.
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.
“Mayor Bill de Blasio’s recent announcement to install hundreds of blood pressure kiosks 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 kiosks can help New Yorkers know their blood pressure numbers, which can give them the information they need to speak with their health care providers about properly treating and managing their health. Diet and exercise, along with medication, may be critical to help manage your blood pressure. With careful monitoring and treatment, you can live a long and healthy life.”
“We are encouraged by the de Blasio administration’s recent announcement, as we share a common goal of improving the health outcomes of all New Yorkers. According to research published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation, there is an increased risk of high blood pressure in low- and middle-income communities and communities of color,” said Kathy Kauffmann, Senior Vice President, NYC/Long Island, American Heart Association. “Similarly, according to recent health department reports, more than 2 million New Yorkers are hypertensive, including large percentages of Blacks and Latinos. By investing in public health programs that provide resources, raise awareness and encourage people to take control of their health, we can continue taking steps toward building healthier communities.”
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases.
CONTACT: Diego Ortiz Quintero
American Heart Association
212-878-5903
Email: [email protected]