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Nearly half of adults have high blood pressure, but many are unaware that they have it. In fact, high blood pressure is her second leading cause of preventable heart disease and stroke deaths. The American Heart Association is encouraging Southwest Florida communities to #CheckIt, a program locally sponsored by Lee Health, as part of a collaboration to improve community health through education.

“Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We need to help more adults recognize that they have high blood pressure and take appropriate steps to manage it. Otherwise, we risk continuing to reverse the progress made in the fight against cardiovascular disease in Southwest Florida.” Dr. Marissa Wood, chief executive of Lee Health Heart Institute, said:

The #CheckIt campaign encourages everyone to:

Check your blood pressure. Many local pharmacies offer free blood pressure tests.

Understand what these numbers mean.

Talk to your doctor about a plan to keep this important health indicator within a healthy range.

Post a photo of yourself measuring your blood pressure on social media using the hashtag #CheckIt and encourage your friends and family to do the same.

High blood pressure is a silent killer that leads to preventable disease, disability, and death. It can cause heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. In America, it disproportionately affects people of color compared to white people. Black Americans have the highest rates of high blood pressure in the world, and nearly half of Hispanic adults have high blood pressure but don’t know they have it.

“We are proud to work with regional partners like the American Heart Association to bring additional hypertension education to Southwest Florida.” Stephanie Wardein, system director of community affairs at Lee Health. “The health of our communities is of paramount importance, and opportunities like this allow us to provide them with the additional information they need to improve their health. During our events, we will provide you with the opportunity to speak with a nurse and have your blood pressure taken. We want our residents to feel empowered and equipped with information and opportunities to improve their health. I hope you feel that way.”

“Since 2020, major challenges, from a global pandemic to devastating hurricanes, have impacted the heart health of our communities. Options to stay healthy are decreasing. In addition to being less physically active, many patients are neglecting medications, doctor visits, and even delaying treatment in emergencies.” said Jesaka Rodriguez, executive director of the American Heart Association of Southwest Florida. “It’s important that everyone takes the time to check their blood pressure, which is why we encourage everyone to #CheckIt here in Southwest Florida.”

Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80, and blood pressure can be controlled primarily through lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both.

For more information about blood pressure, visit heart.org/bloodpressure.


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