New Web Site, Animation Use Humor for Serious Messages About High Blood Pressure


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November 11, 2009 4:50 PM EST

DALLAS, Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Hiram "Hi" B. Presher is obnoxious and has all the bad habits -- drinking in excess, smoking in your face and gorging on salty junk food -- that can lead to high blood pressure. Like high blood pressure, you may not know how to treat him or how to get rid of him.

"Hi" B. Presher personifies high blood pressure -- and while you don't want him or it in your life, you will want to follow him to the American Heart Association's new high blood pressure Web site -- www.heart.org/hbp -- to get the latest information on how to treat and prevent high blood pressure.

"We've put a funny spin on the serious subject of high blood pressure," said David Meyerson, M.D., director of cardiology consultation services at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, and national high blood pressure spokesperson for the American Heart Association. "On the Web site, we've cut the medical jargon to let humor and technology help us reach both old and new audiences. Our goal is to use new tools, such as social media, to open the door for conversations about the condition among the one out of three Americans who have high blood pressure."

The main high blood pressure Web site -- www.heart.org/hbp -- is an easy-to-use, interactive education center with resources, calculators and information about high blood pressure medications and treatment options, side effects and treatment success rates. It includes:

    --  HBP Quiz: "Can You Escape the Silent Killer?" - Test your knowledge of
        high blood pressure facts and myths.
    --  Blood Pressure Risk Calculator - Learn how your blood pressure affects
        your risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease. 
        Find out how lifestyle changes can reduce your risk.
    --  Heart Profilers - Create a free, personalized profile with this
        treatment decision tool. It helps patients become more involved in their
        own care by reviewing treatment options, possible side effects, success
        rates and questions to ask your healthcare provider.
    --  HBP E-newsletter - Sign up to receive monthly e-mails with the latest
        blood pressure news, tips on managing your blood pressure and
        heart-healthy recipes.

    --  "H.B.P." Animation - This special animation introduces "Hi" B. Presher,
        HBP, to the world.  Titled "HBP Escape," the animation features an
        obnoxious and socially-inept character living with various high blood
        pressure risk factors and helps point the way to information and tools
        to help others in a similar situation.

The American Heart Association also provides ways for you to create a dialogue about high blood pressure. Whether you're at risk, want information about a loved one, are newly diagnosed or have had high blood pressure for years, visit our social media accounts to speak with or hear from others who can relate:

    --  Twitter - www.twitter.com/AmHeartHighBP or @AmHeartHighBP
    --  Facebook - HBP Escapees

    --  Meet "Hi" B. Presher - "H.B.P." Animation

About the American Heart Association

Founded in 1924, we're the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases -- America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers -- we fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.


    Contact: Rupa Patel
             972-488-4790
             rupa@vollmerpr.com

SOURCE American Heart Association

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