[Press Release] : Show your support this month for hypertension and stroke awareness

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Chris Coffman, Public Health Nurse Supervisor - (573)
874-7453, jccoffma at gocolumbiamo.com 

Show your support this month for hypertension and stroke awareness

COLUMBIA, MO (May 21, 2008) - This May, have your blood pressure
checked, free of charge, in support of Hypertension Month. Hypertension,
or high blood pressure, is known as the “silent killer” because
there are not obvious symptoms.

When the heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries and creates
pressure. This pressure causes blood to flow to all parts of the body
and without it, vital organs would not work properly.

Two numbers are recorded when measuring your blood pressure. The top,
or larger number, is the systolic pressure and measures the pressure in
your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom, or smaller number, is
known as the diastolic pressure and measures the pressure while your
heart rests between beats. 

Normal pressure is below 120/80 mmHg and a measure of 140/90 mmHg or
higher is considered at risk. Usually several readings over time are
needed before making a judgment on treatment. 

High blood pressure can hurt your body in many ways including:
● Enlarging your heart and decreasing efficiency 
● Accelerating the hardening of your arteries
● Increasing your risk of stroke and damaging your kidneys
● Increasing your chance of developing coronary heart disease or
congestive heart failure
● Dramatically escalating your chance to have a stroke 

The best practice is to have your pressure check regularly, especially
if you are 50 years or older. The Columbia/Boone County Health
Department offers free blood pressure screenings from Monday through
Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Health Department is located on 1005
West Worley and appointments aren’t necessary for screenings. The
Health Department also has blood pressure literature available for
review.

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