Keep with the Beat

TAKE CARE OF YOUR TICKER IN FEBRUARY: AMERICAN HEART MONTH

DID YOU KNOW?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. 

WHAT IS BLOOD PRESSURE?

When your heart beats, it pumps blood around your body. As the blood moves, it pushes against the sides of the blood vessels.  The strength of this pushing is your blood pressure.  If your blood pressure is too high, it puts strain on your arteries and heart [2].

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

Systolic blood pressure (top number) tells the pressure your blood is pushing against your artery walls as the heart beats.  Diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) tells the pressure your blood is pushing against your artery walls as the heart is resting between beats.

PREVENTION IS KEY

Heart disease is referred to as the “silent killer” because it often presents with no signs or symptoms. Kill the silence: have your blood pressure checked regularly to prevent heart attack. 

BE A LEAN, MEAN, SCREENING MACHINE

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a blood pressure check at least once every two years to prevent heart attack. The process is simple: you can get screened at your doctor's office, check it yourself at many local drugstores, or even buy an at-home blood pressure monitor.  

The Y hosts regular blood pressure screenings that are open to members and staff. Check at your local branch for upcoming events and availability.