Blood Pressure Information Campaign
Today [Nov.3] the Minister of Health Zane Desilva announced the launch of a Blood Pressure Information Campaign. This campaign aims to increase public awareness about blood pressure, and provide information and resources to assist those with hypertension (the medical term for high blood pressure) in controlling their blood pressures.
Minister Desilva said, “I encourage everyone in Bermuda to find out their blood pressure numbers. The Ministry of Health recently released the results of the 2011 Health Survey of Adults in Bermuda which highlighted worrying trends in the increase in hypertension in Bermuda.”
The Minister noted that hypertension in our population increased from 25% in 2006 to 36% this year. This means one out of three people in Bermuda has hypertension (high blood pressure).
One out of four people did not have their blood pressure checked in the last year. Hypertension is one of the leading threats to the health of Bermuda’s population. Therefore, it is very important that people have their blood pressure checked every one to two years.
Hypertension is often referred to as the “silent killer” because you can have high blood pressure and not know it. High blood pressure is one of several “risk factors” that can increase your chance of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and other serious conditions. Diseases of the circulatory system (including heart disease and stroke) are the leading cause of death in Bermuda (47% of all deaths in 2008).
Raised blood pressure is one of the most common and preventable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The Ministry of Health and the Hypertension Task Group have developed an information leaflet, posters and flyers which will be distributed over the next several weeks.
Every person in Bermuda should know their blood pressure numbers. It is not good enough for someone to tell you your blood pressure is “normal or ok”.
You need to know what the numbers are so you can personally assess what range your blood pressure is in. Use the stoplight “Know your blood pressure numbers” flyer [embedded below, and downloadable PDF here] to assess if your blood pressure is in a healthy range, or you are approaching high risk or your blood pressure is high.
If you are approaching high risk, if your blood pressure is high or you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure you should take steps to control your blood pressure.
The “Do you know your blood pressure numbers?” information leaflets will be available in physicians’ offices, pharmacies, the Blood Pressure Clinic at the Department of Health, Hamilton Health Centre and other locations around the island.
This leaflet provides easy-to-understand information about blood pressure, including: what the numbers mean; risk factors for developing high blood pressure; ways to lower you blood pressure; tips to reduce sodium intake; information for you to take to your doctor; and questions to ask your doctor.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Cann, explained that it is not easy living with a chronic disease and that you need ongoing support with your self-management of hypertension.
Dr. Cann said, “Good control of your hypertension requires a partnership between yourself, your physician and other health care professionals. You are the captain of the team and are in control of and responsible for the daily self-management of hypertension.”
“To be successful, your management plan has to fit your goals, priorities, and lifestyle as well as your hypertension. You will need to learn as much as you can about your hypertension and how to care for yourself. Start today to know your blood pressure numbers and take control of your blood pressure.”
On Wednesdays between 2pm and 4pm there is a free walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic at the Department of Health, Hamilton Health Centre, 67 Victoria St. Hamilton Health Centre (278-6460). Everyone is welcome to attend.
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