TAKE ACTION TO IMPROVE YOUR HEART HEALTH

YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program is one part of Y-USA’s suite of evidence-based chronic disease prevention programs.

This evidence-based self-monitoring program aims to help participants better manage their blood pressure. The program emphasizes that self-monitoring and tracking of an individual’s blood pressure can play a significant role in reducing one’s blood pressure and improving his or her quality of life. 

How the program works

Participants will work with trained Healthy Heart Ambassadors for the duration of the four-month program. During this time they will:

  • Take their own blood pressure at least two times per month
  • Attend two 10-minute consultations a month with a YMCA Healthy Heart Ambassador – no appointment necessary
  • Attend a 60-minute nutrition education seminar

Blood pressure readings are recorded using an easy-to-use tracking tool. Participants are also strongly encouraged to share this tracker with their doctor.   

There is a fee to participate. $40, BP cuff provided, if needed. YMCA membership is not required to participate in the program.

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be diagnosed with high blood pressure
  • Not have experienced a recent cardiac event
  • Not have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
  • Not be at risk for lymphedema

The Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program can help keep you focused on monitoring your blood pressure. It will increase awareness of triggers that elevate blood pressure and teach practices that can lead to lower blood pressure. By tracking blood pressure, participants will have valuable information about their health that they can share with their doctors.

Healthy Heart Ambassadors are trained in proper blood pressure measurement and will provide participants with blood pressure monitors approved by American Heart Association. The Healthy Heart Ambassadors will follow emergency protocols if a participant has a reading that is in the hypertensive crisis range.

PROGRAM FEATURES

Certified Healthy Heart Ambassadors will train participants on the American Heart Association’s ABCDs of proper blood pressure measurement, will assist in identifying trends and patterns in readings over time that can be affected by lifestyle changes, and will provide ongoing support as participants work to make blood pressure self-monitoring a habit. 

Healthy Heart Ambassadors are available each week for one-on-one, 10-minute consultations to support participants as they continue to better manage their blood pressure. Program participants will attend at least two consultations a month, but will be welcome any time a Healthy Heart Ambassador is on-duty. To ensure participants feel supported throughout the program, they will also receive weekly communications from a Healthy Heart Ambassador.

Seminars developed by a Registered Dietician will highlight how food is related to blood pressure management and will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to make heart-healthy choices. Seminar topics include reducing sodium intake and heart healthy eating. Each 60-minute seminar will also offer an opportunity to take your blood pressure with coaching on proper technique from an on-site Healthy Heart Ambassador.