Concord Hospital Health System Commemorates World Hypertension Day
Treating disease impacting more than 1 in 3 Granite Staters can lower risk of heart attack and stroke
Concord Hospital Health System (CHHS) is proud to partner with the World Hypertension League on May 17 to recognize World Hypertension Day, a global initiative founded to raise awareness about the importance of blood pressure control. An ever-expanding international observance, World Hypertension Day aims to educate the public on the gravity of hypertension and provide resources for its prevention, detection, and management.
“High blood pressure is an often overlooked condition that affects more than 30 percent of adults worldwide,” said Meredith Milligan, MD, a family medicine physician at Concord Hospital. “Knowing your numbers and monitoring your blood pressure regularly are critical steps to maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle. Community members need to know that treating high blood pressure is the number one way to prevent heart attack and stroke.”
A chronic condition caused by the pressure that builds as blood presses against the walls of your arteries, hypertension affects nearly one in three adults across New Hampshire and is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and stroke. In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that high blood pressure was a primary or contributing cause of 685,875 deaths in the United States.
Although hypertension typically presents no immediate symptoms, prolonged strain on the body can lead to serious health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, vision loss, chronic kidney disease and dementia.
Throughout the Granite State, CHHS is reminding patients and community members of the importance of checking your blood pressure periodically. It is key that patients sit quietly with feet flat on the ground when having their blood pressure checked, as crossing your legs, talking, and even having a full bladder can affect the accuracy of blood pressure measurements. If you are checking your blood pressure at home, use a validated cuff and bring your log and cuff to your next office visit for review. When high blood pressure is detected, it can be treated with medication and lifestyle interventions.
If you need help finding a primary care doctor, call Concord Hospital Health System’s Physician Referral Line at (603) 224-7879 or toll-free in NH at (800) 322-2711.
About Concord Hospital Cardiovascular Institute
Concord Hospital Cardiovascular Institute is comprised of 50 providers with expertise in the following specialties: general cardiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery, vascular surgery, and interventional radiology. The Institute offers a comprehensive range of services, including ambulatory cardiovascular care, cardiovascular testing, advanced cardiovascular imaging, cardiac rhythm management, catheter-based treatments for structural heart disease, interventional radiology, and a full spectrum of cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgical care. Visit concordhospital.org/CVI to learn more.
