Also identified as hypertension, high blood pressure is a chronic condition that is commonly referred to as the “Silent Killer” because, in many cases, it has no symptoms. In an attempt to address this issue and to offer avenues for prevention, Mendonoma Health Alliance is participating in National Blood Pressure Education Month, which is set to begin on May 1.

According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure is the most important controllable risk factor for reducing stroke and heart disease. An average of one in every three American adults is hypertensive and worldwide, high blood pressure kills more people than any other condition.

As a part of National Blood Pressure Month, the AHA’s #Checkit campaign encourages people nation-wide to have their blood pressure checked by May 17. In correlation with the national awareness campaign, MHA will offer its quarterly blood pressure screenings along the coast beginning May 1 through May 15.