Cree video aims at blood pressure control

Press release

High blood pressure is the condition most commonly linked to stroke. Three out of four first-time stroke victims have high blood pressure. Controlling high blood pressure is critical to the prevention of death and disability resulting from stroke.

Fortunately, the “silent killer” may also be the most easily managed of all the risk factors for stroke.

“If you don’t know what your blood pressure is, you don’t know if it is quietly damaging your blood vessels, leading to the blockage or rupture that cause a stroke,” said Crystelle Fogle, manager of Montana’s Cardiovascular Health Program.

A blood pressure monitor helps measure the force of the flow of blood in the body. It is the only way to know if your blood pressure is higher than it should be. The upper number, “systolic” pressure, is the measure of the pressure in the blood when the heart beats. The lower, “diastolic” number is the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart rests between beats. Blood pressure is typically measured each time a patient visits a health care provider.

“You’ve seen the nurse take your blood pressure,” Fogle said. “It’s easy and quick. You can do the same thing at home, and it will go a long way to protect your health when you share your measurement record with your doctor.”

To help encourage older adults to monitor their blood pressure, the Montana Cardiovascular Health Program has developed a video showing how to use a digital blood pressure cuff. Less than four minutes long, the video shows simple step-by-step instructions.

The video has just been released with a soundtrack of instructions in the Cree language.

It was produced earlier this year with the help of Robert Murie, Cree language instructor at Stone Child College. Murie provided the video action as well as the Cree translation and voiceover.

Copies of the DVD featuring the Cree soundtrack as well as Blackfeet, Crow, English, Northern Cheyenne and Salish versions have been provided to the Rocky Boy Health Board. For more information, contact the Community Health Representative program at 395-1694. The videos can also be seen at http://www.YouTube.com/MTCVHP.

The damage caused by high blood pressure — also known as hypertension — may lead to loss of vision and kidney failure as well as heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure occurs much more often in persons with diabetes. Blood pressure also increases with age.

National guidelines for blood pressure readings that pose health risks were recently lowered — from 140/90 mm Hg to 130/80 mm Hg. The new standards encourage patients and their doctors to address the deadly condition sooner — especially through life-style changes. 

High blood pressure can often be controlled by a combination of diet, specifically eating less foods that contain a lot of sodium, and daily exercise. Some adults require medication to help lower their blood pressure.