High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major health issue that affects nearly half of American adults. Because it can lead to serious complications — such as heart attacks, kidney disease, heart failure, vision loss and strokes — the American Heart Association is working to increase awareness and provide tools for better management.
In collaboration with Providence Health Plan, the Association recently launched the Student-Championed Self-Measured Blood Pressure program at Bellevue College in Washington. The program is a student-led effort that deploys blood pressure measurement cuffs and educational resources into the campus community. Staff and students can utilize the tools to measure their blood pressure and if it is determined to be high, can check out a device to continue to measure blood pressure at home. Those with high blood pressure will also be provided with referral information to local Federally Qualified Health Centers to access low-or-no cost healthcare in the area.The goal is to help more people understand the risks of hypertension and learn how to monitor and manage their blood pressure effectively.
“Blood pressure readings include two numbers. It’s considered elevated when the top number is between 120 and 129 and the bottom number is less than 80. High blood pressure is anything higher than 130 over 80,” says Dr. Laurel Soot, chief medical officer at Providence Health Plan and volunteer with the American Heart Association. Photo courtesy of the American Heart Association.
“Blood pressure readings include two numbers. It’s considered elevated when the top number is between 120 and 129 and the bottom number is less than 80. High blood pressure is anything higher than 130 over 80,” says Dr. Laurel Soot, chief medical officer at Providence Health Plan and volunteer with the American Heart Association.
The program is part of the American Heart Association’s Embracing Community Care initiative, supported by Providence Health Plan. It contributes to the broader goal of assisting community organizations and clinics throughout Washington and Oregon to improve health and well-being through the management of blood pressure.
“Often, high blood pressure doesn’t come with obvious symptoms, but it can still cause damage to your body. That’s why it’s important to have your blood pressure checked and know where you stand,” Soot adds.
The Student-Championed Self-Measured Blood Pressure program at Bellevue College is a student-led effort that deploys blood pressure measurement cuffs and educational resources into the campus community. Photo courtesy of the American Heart Association.
The Association encourages home blood pressure monitoring as a helpful tool for both patients and health care providers. “Tracking your numbers at home gives a more complete picture of your blood pressure and what may influence it. For example, if you make a dietary change, monitoring at home can help you see if it’s making a difference,” Soot says.
For people diagnosed with high blood pressure, taking action is essential.
“Uncontrolled high blood pressure raises your risk for a range of serious conditions,” Soot says. “But when you take steps to manage it, you can lower your blood pressure and reduce those risks. By working closely with your healthcare provider, they can help you create a plan that fits your needs. That might include increasing physical activity, following a heart-healthy diet, or using medications if needed.”
For more information about the Student-Championed Self-Measured Blood Pressure program at Bellevue College visit newsroom.heart.org and for more information about the American Heart Association visit heart.org.
