San Diego City Wire

San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman, Nora Vargas, emphasized the importance of knowing one's blood pressure numbers, stating, “This simple five-minute test can save your life. ¡Cinco minutos pueden salvar tu vida! Get checked for your health.”

Dr. Eric McDonald, County interim director of the Health and Human Services Agency, highlighted the extended timeline for this year's Love Your Heart event, aiming to reach as many individuals as possible. He stated, “Heart disease is preventable, and we are so thankful to our partners, along with our County employees and volunteers who make this event bigger each and every year.”

County public health officer, Wilma Wooten, MD, MPH, acknowledged the impact of efforts like Love Your Heart in reducing 3-4-50 deaths, stating, “The campaign has helped drive an 18.9 percent reduction of 3-4-50 deaths from 2012 to 2022. By making small lifestyle changes and knowing their numbers, people can take control of their health.”

The County's Love Your Heart campaign, now in its 13th year, aims to raise awareness about heart health by offering no-cost blood pressure screenings at various locations. The initiative, which runs from Valentine's Day through February 29, encourages individuals to prioritize their heart health by knowing their blood pressure numbers.

In collaboration with partners in Mexico, the County has extended its efforts to increase awareness of heart disease and promote blood pressure monitoring. Dr. Eric McDonald highlighted the importance of these initiatives, emphasizing that heart disease is preventable with early detection and monitoring.

Through the Love Your Heart campaign, the County aims to empower individuals to make small lifestyle changes that can have a significant impact on preventing heart disease, cardiac arrest, and stroke. By focusing on areas with higher average blood pressure levels, the initiative aims to reach at-risk and underserved residents in the community.

Last year's Love Your Heart campaign reached over 7.8 million people and distributed more than 3,200 blood pressure monitors to at-risk individuals. The County's continuous efforts to promote heart health and encourage regular blood pressure monitoring reflect a commitment to improving the well-being of San Diegans.