Under Pressure: This is How a Heart Breaks

The Wilton YMCA understands the devastating toll the high blood pressure (hypertension) has on the heart and has launched a pilot program designed to help participants with hypertension lower their blood pressure through an evidence-based, self-monitoring practice.

“The Wilton YMCA is proud to launch  the YMCA Healthy Heart Initiative,” Mary Ann Genuario Health & Fitness Director.  “The Y is committed to improving the health and well being of individuals and communities through a pipeline of new programs and initiatives.”

The Y developed this pilot program to help people reduce their risk for developing chronic diseases like hypertension. More than 67 million Americans have high blood pressure but less than half have it under control. Research shows that the simple process of checking and recording blood pressure at least twice a month over four months can lower blood pressure in some patients with hypertension. 

“It is extremely important to control your blood pressure,” says Nancy Capelle, Founder of Cardiac Companion, LLC.  “Not only can high blood pressure damage the cells of your arteries' inner lining and cause the artery walls to become thick and stiff (arteriosclerosis), resulting in many heart problems, including chest pain, heart attack and heart failure, but it can cause problems throughout the body such as kidney failure, stroke, blocked arteries in the legs and arms, eye damage and aneurysms.”

As part of the YMCA Healthy Heart Initiative, participants will measure their blood pressure at least two times a month for four consecutive months—a minimum of eight times. They will upload their blood pressure readings using Heart360, an easy-to-use website that enables participants to record their blood pressure and other data such as weight, blood glucose and more.  The program is led by Healthy Heart Ambassadors, appointed and trained by the Y, who will show participants how to use the self-monitoring blood pressure cuff as well as the Heart360 website.

The Wilton YMCA is looking for 75 participants with high blood pressure to take part in this program. For a small investment of time, participants receive:

·      A simple, evidence-based process that may lower blood pressure

·      Self-monitoring blood pressure cuff

·      Access to a Y Healthy Heart Ambassador

·      Tips for maintaining cardiovascular health

Participants must meet the following criteria to participate in the program: 

·      Must be at least 18 years old

·      Must be diagnosed with high blood pressure

·      Must not have experienced a recent cardiac event

·      Is not currently in her 3rd trimester of pregnancy

·      Must not have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias

·      Must not be at risk for lymphedema

·      Must be comfortable using the internet

 Interested participants may contact Mary Ann Genuario, Health & Fitness Director at 203-762-8384 ext.282 or via email at: magenuario@wiltonymca.org

The Wilton YMCA is one of three Ys in the U.S. to run this pilot program. 

About the Y:  The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net