One in three adults has high blood pressure, and only half of those who know will have it under control. Many more don’t know they have high blood pressure, which can lead to a sudden heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, vision loss, and sexual dysfunction.

 

However, one of the easiest ways to monitor your overall heart health is checking your blood pressure frequently and knowing your numbers in addition to talking to and scheduling regular appointments with your primary care doctor. 

 

The West Virginia University Extension Service has made it easier to check your blood pressure with a self-monitoring station at the Harrison County WVU Extension Office. Beginning Friday, Oct 26, simply come to the office from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 1117 Good Hope Pike in Clarksburg, follow the instructions, get your numbers, take information and be on your way. It’s free, and no appointment is necessary.  

 

Before your visit, there are a few key tips to note about getting an accurate reading. While exercise is great, it could potentially cause an inaccurate reading, so wait 30 minutes after exercising to check your blood pressure. Additionally, avoid smoking, eating heavy meals, and drinking caffeinated beverages before your reading. Wearing clothing with sleeves that are easily rolled up is necessary to place the cuff against the skin to get an accurate reading as well.

 

To raise awareness about blood pressure monitoring and let the public come try the station for themselves, there will be a heart health open house at the Harrison County Extension office on Thursday, Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. Enjoy some light, heart-healthy snacks-to-go. Tickets will be given to award a door prize at the close of the open house.

 

For questions regarding the program in Harrison County, please call the WVU Harrison County Extension Service office at 304-624-8650. Additional locations around the state can be found at https://extension.wvu.edu/food-health/heart-health/blood-pressure-stations.

 

This program is sponsored by a grant from the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health.

 

Programs and activities offered by the WVU Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, and marital or family status. When registering for programs, please designate special access or dietary needs three weeks prior. The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Cooperative Extension Service is implied.