'Check It! Challenge' could lead to lower risk of heart disease and stroke

American Heart Association program provides a way for people to improve their blood pressure

Submitted by the American Heart Association 

A program giving Western New Yorkers a chance to help control a silent killer is back.

The American Heart Association is now recruiting participants for the “Check It! Challenge.” The challenge is a communitywide program encouraging people to check, change, and control their blood pressure.

The “Check It! Challenge” is based on the American Heart Association’s “Check. Change. Control.” program, which is an evidence-based hypertension management program empowering participants to take ownership of their health using blood-pressure self-monitoring. The program incorporates the concepts of remote monitoring and tracking as key features to hypertension management.

Last year, the program reached more than 315,000 individuals at almost 100 organizations statewide. In self-reported surveys, 63% of participants saw improved blood pressure readings.

“Blood pressure control is more important now than ever,” said Jason Stulb, executive director of the American Heart Association in the Buffalo Niagara Region. “We know blood pressure levels rose among U.S. adults after the pandemic-related shutdowns. Even small rises in blood pressure increase one’s risk of stroke and other adverse cardiovascular disease events. The ‘Check it! Challenge’ can help move the needle and improve blood pressure numbers in our community.”

The program is open to employers and community organizations, as well as individuals. The program runs from February (American Heart Month) through May (American Stroke Month). Each month features educational “how to” topics including managing your blood pressure, eating better, getting more active, and improving whole body health.

Participants are encouraged to take their blood pressure at least twice a month during the program. Blood pressure checks may be performed with at-home monitors or at a doctor’s office. If your blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg, be sure to get it checked at least once every two years, starting at age 20. If your blood pressure is higher, your doctor may want to check it more often. High blood pressure can be controlled through lifestyle changes and/or medication.

Join the challenge at www.heart.org/CheckItNY or contact [email protected].

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is known as a silent killer. It typically has no symptoms, but can lead to deadly health consequences such as heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. About half of all Americans have high blood pressure, but many are unaware.

Additional resources:

• Heart.org/CheckItNY
• Heart.org/CheckChangeControl
• ManageYourBP.org
• Monitoring your blood pressure at home

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook or Twitter, or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.