Self-Monitor Your Blood Pressure

One in three adults has high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, and premature death. Hypertension is a so-called silent killer because its symptoms can go unnoticed until the occurrence of major event, such as a heart attack.

Personal self monitoring of blood pressure is an important health habit for people to develop. The two instructional videos presented below share with viewers important information about the health benefits of blood pressure monitoring and step-by-step instructions for self monitoring. VHHA produced these two videos thanks to grant funding and support from The Virginia Department of Health. There are two versions of the video – shorter and longer cuts. The first (shorter) encourages Virginians to monitor their blood pressure (SMBP) and provides an overview of its benefits. The second (longer) clip also provides instructions on proper self-monitoring techniques.

Please watch these videos and add blood pressure monitoring to your personal health maintenance routine. It’s worth it. Here is some viewer feedback on the value of these videos.

An environmental scan about public awareness regarding SMBP led to the video project. For a summary of the research documenting the need for public education on this subject, click here.