WS Chronicle

Novant Health and the American Heart Association have joined together to focus on making a community impact in the blood pressure of Forsyth County residents this year. The goal of engaging 5,000 people with “Check. Change. Control.” in Forsyth County will have a significant impact on the health of the community.
This program provides tools, resources and training to companies, organizations and nonprofit organizations throughout Forsyth County.
The focus of the program includes developing positive self-monitoring habits, sharing tools and tips to improve blood pressure, and reducing this risk factor for heart disease and stroke by dropping BP levels to a healthy 120/80. Every 10-point drop in systolic BP levels equals a 30 -50 percent drop in risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
“High blood pressure is sometimes called ‘the silent killer’ as uncontrolled high blood pressure raises the risk of stroke, heart attack and heart failure,” says Sendee Dozier, service line director for Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute in the Greater Winston-Salem Market. “1 in 3 adults in the United States have high blood pressure. But, with accurate and regular self-monitoring, the effects of high blood pressure may be detected and treated, saving lives in our community. We look forward to working with companies and organizations in Forsyth County to help make blood pressure management a top focus in Forsyth County this year.”
The American Heart Association’s “Check. Change. Control.” high blood pressure control program is an evidence-based program that incorporates proven, existing approaches with self-monitoring and coaching at the local/community level to improve high blood pressure control in all populations. High blood pressure is often the first domino in a chain or “domino effect” leading to devastating consequences like stroke, heart failure, heart attack, vision loss, kidney disease, kidney failure and sexual dysfunction. A simple blood pressure check is the first step to stopping the domino effect.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the United States and is the second leading killer in Forsyth County. Stroke is the 5th leading killer in the U.S. and is the 4th leading cause of death in Forsyth County. Both heart disease and stroke are up to 80 percent preventable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the hypertension death rate per 100,000 for 2013-2015 was 213.6 in Forsyth County.
To register your company or organization for this free blood pressure program with the American Heart Association and Novant Health or for more detailed information, contact Sarah.Fedele@heart.org or call 336-542-4837.