Blood Pressure

If you or your loved one has been told they have high blood pressure you may be wondering what it means and how you can help.

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the artery (big blood vessel) walls as the heart beats. It’s normal for blood pressure to go up and down throughout the day, but if it stays consistently high for a long time, it can damage the heart.

An unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity can put you at risk for high blood pressure. Smoking also increases the chance for high blood pressure. Quit tobacco for good to reduce your risk.

High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because it often has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it. That’s why it is important to check your blood pressure regularly and learn self-management tips -- find local resources below.

Try these Lorain County resources to check your blood pressure:

Blood pressure check locator
Visit our locator to find all the places in Lorain County where you can either borrow a blood pressure or get your blood pressure checked by a professional for free.

Borrow a blood pressure monitor from your local library
Lorain County Public Health partners with local libraries to offer home blood pressure monitors. Use a monitor at the library or check it out - just like a book! Each blood pressure kit contains one monitor with cuff, easy to read instructions, and materials to help track your numbers. Visit any of these locations to find a blood pressure monitor:

• Elyria Public Libraries: Central, West River, North, South, Keystone-LaGrange
• Lorain Public Libraries: Main, Avon, Domonkas (Sheffield Lake), North Ridgeville, South Lorain
• Herrick Memorial Library in Wellington 
• Grafton-Midview Public Library
• Amherst Public Library
• Avon Lake Public Library

YMCA Self Monitor Blood Pressure Program 
The YMCA’s Self Monitor Blood Pressure (SMBP) Program is an evidence-based program that helps support people who want to improve their blood pressure. Participants are matched with a Heart Healthy Ambassador who checks in with them and helps support healthy behavior change. This four-month program focuses on monitoring blood pressure, making lifestyle changes, and sharing results with your doctor.

Phone: 216-509-3480
Email: healthyliving@clevelandY.org

Learn what else can be done to protect your heart or manage your blood pressure -- heart health tips.

Find free fitness events in Lorain County. 

Find someone to help you quit smoking for good. 

Find a place to get your blood pressure checked: