American Heart Association to Celebrate World Hypertension Day

WHAT:          

In celebration of World Hypertension Day, the American Heart Association (AHA) is holding a press conference at Baltimore City Hall. World Hypertension Day is a day to promote public awareness of hypertension, or high blood pressure. The AHA is asking the citizens of Baltimore City to get their blood pressure checked. There will be many opportunities for people to get their blood pressure checked, all across the city, including at City Hall, and take the first step to improving their heart health. The University of Maryland Medical Center’s Community Van will offer screenings as will various locations throughout the city. For a full list of participating locations visit: www.facebook.com/aha and click on the Check It, B’More event.

WHO:           

Catherine Pugh, Baltimore City Mayor 

Dr. Lena Wen, Baltimore City Health Commissioner

Bernard C. “Jack” Young, Baltimore City Council President

Dr. Stephen Davis, Physician in Chief, University of Maryland Medical Center, AHA Board President

Jack Lewin, Vice President, Commercial Banking, M&T Bank, AHA Board Chair

VISUALS:      

University of Maryland Medical Center’s Community Van will be parked on the cobblestones from 10am – 3pm providing BP screenings.

FACTS:          

• About 80 million Americans (1 in 3) have high blood pressure and only about half are aware they have high blood pressure.
• High blood pressure is often the first domino in a chain or domino effect leading to devastating consequences like heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and more.
• 91.3 % of African Americans have high blood pressure; 59.6% of Hispanics have high blood pressure.