News release

Nova Scotians Encouraged to Know Their Numbers

Health and Wellness

A new wallet-size card is about to play a big role in improving the health of Nova Scotians. The province launched the My Blood Pressure Card today, Aug. 16, to encourage Nova Scotians to keep track of their blood pressure and become actively involved in managing it properly.

"High blood pressure is a serious medical condition that affects many Nova Scotians, but it can be treated and, more importantly, it can also be prevented," said Health and Wellness deputy minister Kevin McNamara. "This little card encourages Nova Scotians to become actively involved in their own wellness."

People with high blood pressure will also get a brochure with healthy living tips on how to manage, or reduce, the risk of developing high blood pressure. The free cards and brochures are available at family doctors' offices, pharmacies, and other health-care locations across the province.

The My Blood Pressure Initiative is modelled after the Blue Card Initiative, started at Annapolis Valley Health by Dr. Lynne Harrigan and the Valley Regional Hospital Diabetes Centre. The Blue Card was used by doctors, diabetes educators, and as a reminder to discuss and encourage blood pressure management. Nearly 700 patients participated in the project.

"The blue card is a simple, effective and low-cost project that has significantly improved the blood pressure of the population that our diabetes centre serves," said Dr. Harrigan, VP medicine, Annapolis Valley Health. "This means patients will have fewer heart attacks and strokes because their blood pressure has improved."

Joanna Bishop was introduced to the card at the diabetes centre, where her mother, Doris Bishop, is a patient. Doris uses the card as a reference tool whenever she visits the hospital, so that her care providers have up-to-date blood pressure information.

Joanna also uses the card and said it helped notice a developing trend that could have affected her health.

"High cholesterol runs in my family," said Joanna Bishop. "I used the card to monitor my blood pressure and noticed that it was on an upward trend. Because I wasn't due for another cholesterol check for another year: I wouldn't have noticed that things were out of control without it. The card allows you to track things before they become a problem."

Almost one third of Nova Scotia adults have high blood pressure and nearly 70 per cent of Nova Scotians who have diabetes also have high blood pressure. Rates are higher in seniors and people of First Nations, African, Hispanic and South Asian descent.

When left untreated, high blood pressure can result in damaged blood vessels and significantly increase the risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney disease.

High blood pressure can be can be prevented, managed and controlled. For more information on blood pressure and the My Blood Pressure Card, visit www.gov.ns.ca/bloodpressure .

The My Blood Pressure Initiative is a product of the Department of Health and Wellness's Cardiovascular Health Nova Scotia, Diabetes Care and Nova Scotia Renal provincial programs.