Dubbed as the "silent killer," hypertension or high blood pressure is a growing health issue in Canada. Almost a quarter of Canadian adults are living with the condition which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and death.
As part of World Hypertension Day on May 17, 2017, London Drugs is joining Hypertension Canada – Canada’s national non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention and control of hypertension, and blood pressure monitoring BIOS Diagnostics to remind Canadians that a simple blood pressure check could be lifesaving.
“By working together with all health care professionals, including pharmacists, we have an important opportunity to advance control rates and ensure all Canadians avoid the potentially devastating complications of hypertension,” says Dr. Nadia Khan, President, Hypertension Canada. “Almost 2 million Canadians have uncontrolled blood pressure and many don’t even know it.”
To help encourage Canadians to get blood-pressure checked, London Drugs is encouraging the public to take advantage of free blood pressure checks and consultations with pharmacists in Vancouver (525 West Broadway), Calgary (8120 Beddington Blvd NW), and St. Albert (375 St. Albert Trail) on World Hypertension Day.
During the screenings, London Drugs’ pharmacists will check patient blood pressure, discuss the results and assess risk factors such as family history, age, level of exercise and diet. Pharmacists will also discuss ways to minimize risk factors. This might include a discussion of changes to diet, fitness or lifestyle. The consultation is collaborative and customized for each patient and pharmacists can contact physicians to recommend further medical intervention or changes to medication.
