Approximately 1 out of 3 (32%) adults have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. Many more adults have high blood pressure and don’t know it. The cost of uncontrolled blood pressure ranges from $5,000 to $19,000 annually per person. Alaska’s Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (HDSP) Program works to improve access to screening, prevention, and management for high blood pressure or high cholesterol — which often don’t have symptoms. Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol can improve heart and brain health, saving lives and reducing costly medical care.
Our program and partners focus on the following strategies:
- Educating and empowering individuals to choose healthy foods and drinks, get daily exercise, and not use tobacco.
- Connecting Alaska adults to online and in-person programs to prevent and manage high blood pressure and other chronic diseases.
- Supporting health care providers to improve screening and management of high blood pressure and ensure optimal treatment of heart disease and stroke.
- Supporting statewide and community partners to promote healthy environments that provide access to physical activity, nutritious foods, and smokefree air.
- Monitoring the trends for heart disease and stroke in Alaska.
Learn more on our website:
https://health.alaska.gov/dph/Chronic/Pages/Cardiovascular/default.aspx
Join the Take Heart Listserv:
https://list.state.ak.us/mailman/listinfo/takeheart
Email Heart@Alaska.Gov to join the Take Heart Alaska statewide coaltion, or for any other questions.