Racine & Me: Racine Public Library and American Heart Association partner up

 

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Racine Public Library and American Heart Association recently partnered to bring in-home blood pressure monitoring kits to the library for patrons to check out and take home.

The American Heart Association provided the following information regarding use of in-home BP monitors:

1. Be still: Don’t smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise within 30 minutes of measuring your BP. Empty your bladder and ensure at least five minutes of quite rest beforehand
2. Sit correctly: Sit with your back straight and supported, feet flat on the floor, legs not crossed. Your arm should be supported on a flat surface. Make sure the bottom of the cuff is directly above the bend of the elbow
3. Measure at the same time every day
4. Take multiple readings and record the results
5. Don’t take the measurement over clothes 3 - Other pertinent information from the American Heart Association
6. More than 100 million American adults have high blood pressure; rates are higher among seniors and those with limited economic means
7. Blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because there often are no early signs of it
8. Blood pressure is the leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, along with vision and other health issues
9. Blood pressure ranges: Normal less than 120 systolic (upper number), less than 80 diastolic (lower number); elevated – 120-129 and less than 80; high (hypertension stage 1) 130-139 and 80-89; high (hypertension stage 2) 140 or higher and 90 or higher; hypertensive crisis (seek immediate medical attention), higher than 180 and higher than 120

If you'd like to learn more, Call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721) or visit heart.org·

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