‘Check Your Pressure’ During American Heart Month

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) encourages everyone to have their blood pressure checked regularly to reduce their risk for heart attack, stroke and other complications as part of this year’s American Heart Month in February. Simple information about blood pressure is now available online.

“February is American Heart Month and a perfect time for all of us to take important steps to reduce risk factors associated with heart disease,” said Health Director Dr. Virginia Pressler. “The good news is heart disease can be prevented by taking simple steps such as checking your blood pressure regularly. If you don’t have an at-home blood pressure monitor, visit your local fire station to have it checked for free.”

According to the DOH Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion Division, one in every three adults in Hawaii has been diagnosed with high blood pressure (also known as HBP or hypertension). A blood pressure reading of 140/90 or more is considered high. Those who already have high blood pressure or other chronic diseases should check their blood pressure at least once a week.

Statistics show that high blood pressure leads to dangerous health consequences:

• Seven in 10 people who have a first heart attack have high blood pressure.
• Three in four people who have a stroke have high blood pressure.
• Three in four people who have congestive heart failure have high blood pressure.

Mortality rates associated with heart disease are particularly high among the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander population, at 628 deaths per 100,000 residents—compared to 154 deaths per 100,000 among Asian and 167 deaths per 100,000 among White residents, respectively.

This points to the need for greater awareness of the dangers of high blood pressure, especially for population groups who are not getting screened and dying unnecessarily from health conditions related to high blood pressure. To help get the word out, DOH has launched a new website, and sponsored digital ads that are now playing in Star Advertiser kiosks at select convenience stores and retail locations on O‘ahu. Print advertisements in malls across the state will follow later this year.

“If you or someone you know has blood pressure levels of 140/90 or higher, make sure you or your loved ones visit a doctor or healthcare professional as soon as possible for life-saving blood pressure control medication,” said Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion division administrator Lola Irvin. “Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes to help get your blood pressure under control.”

Irvin added, “This is a health crisis we can solve, but we must do so with a sense of urgency.”

Those who don’t have a doctor or can’t afford one are encouraged to visit the nearest community health center for assistance. Click here for a list of community health centers in Hawai‘i.

In addition to increasing awareness about high blood pressure, DOH manages the following programs to decrease other factors that place people at greater risk for high blood pressure:

• Quitting smoking: The Hawai‘i Tobacco QuitLine offers free tobacco cessation services, including counseling and nicotine replacement therapies, to anyone trying to stop using tobacco products and e-cigarettes. Call or text 1-800-QUIT-NOW or go online.
• Eating healthier: The DOH’s Choose Healthy Now program partners with convenience stores across the state—including 7-Eleven, Aloha Island Mart and KTA Super Stores— to offer healthier snack and drink options for Hawai‘i residents. Click here for a list of participating locations near you.
• Exercising more: DOH works with counties to support the implementation of policies and programs across the state that improve opportunities for walking, hiking and biking. Check out some ideas on how you can take advantage of opportunities for exercise in your community.
• Preventing type two diabetes: The DOH’s Prevent Diabetes Hawaii campaign encourages Hawai‘i residents to take an online Diabetes Risk Test. Visit here to find out if you are at risk.

For information on how to check your blood pressure and to learn more about lowering your risk for high blood pressure, click here.