Omron Healthcare CEO: World Stroke Day an important reminder of the role blood pressure plays in stroke risk
LAKE FOREST, Ill., Oct. 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- October 29(th) is World Stroke Day and Omron Healthcare is observing the day with a reminder that high blood pressure is the top indicator of stroke risk. According to the American Heart Association, more than 75 percent of patients who suffer a stroke have high blood pressure(1).
Nearly 800,000 strokes occur each year in the U.S.(2), and, globally, one in six people will suffer a stroke in their lifetime(3). While factors like age, gender, ethnicity and family history all factor into stroke risk, experts say 80 percent of strokes are preventable(4). Blood pressure, diet, physical activity, smoke and alcohol intake all directly relate to stroke risk - and all are manageable.
"One of the most effective ways to prevent a stroke is to monitor your blood pressure and to control it if you're hypertensive," said Ranndy Kellogg, president and CEO of Omron Healthcare. "Those with high blood pressure are one and a half times more likely to have a stroke(5 )compared to those who are in the healthy range. So, it's essential to know your blood pressure."
According to the CDC, 75 million Americans are diagnosed hypertensive - and there are 12 million more living with hypertension who are not yet aware(6 )of their condition and are at increased risk of stroke.
One of those who was undiagnosed learned she had high blood pressure by suffering and surviving a stroke.
"I'm a former athlete. I considered myself healthy, yet I suffered a stroke when I was 41 years of age," said stroke survivor, Dina Piersawl. "I was stunned to learn that I'd been living with high blood pressure and was completely unaware. I was lucky to survive and I want to use my experience to help others."
Ms. Piersawl now travels and speaks to groups to tell her story and volunteers with WomenHeart, the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, which activates heart patients to educate others on the steps they can take to improve their heart health.
"We're focusing our resources on innovations in personal blood pressure monitors to make them easier to use and even more attractive to have with you for regular monitoring," said Kellogg. "Blood pressure monitors are now more mobile, more connected and more convenient than ever before."
Among the innovations, Kellogg noted new blood pressure monitors such as the EVOLV, an upper arm wireless model without tubes. Omron's blood pressure monitors connect to your smartphone via the Omron Connect US application, so data can be stored and shared with your doctor.
"Omron has made Going for Zero - the elimination of heart attacks and strokes - our company mission. We're working to create advanced, clinically accurate blood pressure monitors that will provide better insights for doctors and patients, for better outcomes," said Kellogg.
Besides measuring one's blood pressure, the best way to protect yourself from a stroke is to identify and reduce the risk factors within your control. Improving your diet, increasing physical activity, and reducing smoke and alcohol intake are all active ways you can reduce your risk.
According to the National Stroke Association, exercising moderately for 30 minutes two or more times a week will help prevent a stroke. All physical activity makes a difference - break it up into 10 to 15-minute segments if needed, to reach the full recommended 150 minutes for the week(7). Higher physical activity levels have also been found to lower stress, another risk factor for stroke.
Per the CDC, a quarter of recorded stroke incidents are a recurring attack(8). Those who suffer a stroke are more likely to have another incident(9), making it more likely to happen again once you've suffered from a stroke before. Also, the chances of a stroke nearly double every ten years after age 55(10).
"Having awareness of your personal risk provides important direction and motivation to work harder on factors that are within your control," said Kellogg.
About Omron Healthcare, Inc.
Omron Healthcare, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of personal heart health and wellness products. Omron's market-leading products include home blood pressure monitors and electrotherapy devices. Since Omron invented its first blood pressure monitors more than 40 years ago, the company has been passionate about empowering people to take charge of their health at home through precise technology. Helping people improve their ability to live a healthier life is the heart and soul of Omron's purpose. The company recently evolved its mission to Going for Zero, the elimination of heart attacks and strokes. For more information, visit OmronHealthcare.com.
1 American Stroke Association: http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/LifeAfterStroke/HealthyLivingAfterStroke/UnderstandingRiskyConditions/Blood-Pressure-and-Stroke_UCM_310427_Article.jsp#.WfHH5GhSzIW
2 CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm
3 World Stroke Organization: http://www.worldstrokecampaign.org/
4 American Stroke Association: https://www.strokeassociation.org/idc/groups/stroke-public/@wcm/@hcm/@sta/documents/downloadable/ucm_463745.pdf
5 National Stroke Association: http://www.stroke.org/understand-stroke/preventing-stroke/medical-risk-factors
6 CDC Grand Rounds: A Public Health Approach to Detect and Control Hypertension
7 National Stroke Association: http://www.stroke.org/understand-stroke/preventing-stroke/lifestyle-risk-factors
8 CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_stroke.htm
9 National Stroke Association: http://www.stroke.org/we-can-help/survivors/stroke-recovery/first-steps-recovery/preventing-another-stroke
10 American Stroke Association: http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/AboutStroke/UnderstandingRisk/Understanding-Stroke-Risk_UCM_308539_SubHomePage.jsp
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SOURCE Omron Healthcare, Inc.
