High blood pressure is known as the silent killer, as the symptoms can normally not be detected. Smoking aggravates high blood pressure. Nicotine causes blood pressure to rise and the heart rate to increase. Smoking also accelerates the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries of the heart. All of these factors can lead to heart attack and stroke.
Ministry Home Care is providing free blood pressure checks each month at convenient locations around the area on the third Tuesday of every month. The next BP Checks will be held Tuesday, May 21, 1-2pm at Cedar Rail in Marshfield (601 South Cedar Avenue) and Donald Sykes Villa in Stratford (420 West Fir Street). No appointment is necessary, and there is no cost.
For more information, call Ministry Home Care at 800-397-0270.