Racine & Me: Racine Public Library and American Heart Association partner up
Posted: Jul 24, 2022 9:00 AM CDT
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:
- 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
- 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
- Measure at the same time every day
- Take multiple readings and record the results
- Don’t take the measurement over clothes 3 - Other pertinent information from the American Heart Association
- More than 100 million American adults have high blood pressure; rates are higher among seniors and those with limited economic means
- Blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because there often are no early signs of it
- Blood pressure is the leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, along with vision and other health issues
- 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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