Program focuses on improving health by making simple changes to prevent and manage high blood pressure
ALBANY, NY, February 18, 2025 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on changing the future of health for all, is encouraging individuals, community organizations and employers to prioritize improving blood pressure during the Check It! Challenge, which began on Feb. 1 and runs through May 31, 2025.
Known as the silent killer, or hypertension, high blood pressure typically has no symptoms but can lead to deadly health consequences such as heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.
The four-month Check It! Challenge is a self-monitoring blood pressure program in which participants agree to monitor their blood pressure twice a month. Monthly online Community Conversations bring together experts to raise awareness and educate the public about various health topics that affect blood pressure. Topics are:
| FEBRUARY
American Heart Month & National Wear Red Day |
MARCH
National Nutrition Month |
APRIL
National Minority Health Month & National Walking Day |
MAY
American Stroke & National High Blood Pressure Education Month |
| Health Topic:
Control Your Blood Pressure |
Health Topic:
Eating Smart & Reducing Sodium |
Health Topic:
Move More |
Health Topic:
Mental Health & Well-Being |
The Check It! Challenge is based on Check. Change. Control.®, an evidence-based wellness and blood pressure management program that focuses on improving health by making simple changes to prevent and manage high blood pressure.
Registration for individuals is available here. Organizations and workplaces should identify a site leader, who can complete the participation form here. Healthcare providers and clinics may enroll via Target: BP at targetbp.org.
Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers:
- Systolic blood pressure is the first number. It measures the pressure your blood is pushing against your artery walls when the heart beats.
- Diastolic blood pressure is the second number. It measures the pressure your blood is pushing against your artery walls while the heart muscle rests between beats.
The Check It! Challenge program is made possible thanks to sponsors: Central Hudson, Kinney Drugs Foundation, Baxter, Broadview Federal Credit Union; and media sponsor, CNY Latino. To learn more, visit heart.org/checkitNY or email checkitNY@heart.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
