On-campus blood pressure stations help Austin university students take charge of their health
AUSTIN, March 4, 2025 — Using the momentum from American Heart Month in February, the American Heart Association-Austin has connected with several local universities to establish community blood pressure stations on campus, as part of its overall community impact initiatives.
The American Heart Association-Austin connected with Huston-Tillotson University, a private historically Black campus, to establish a community blood pressure station on campus. This will provide over 1,000 students, faculty, staff, and visitors with blood pressure readings, measurement guidance, best practices from the Association, and referral information.
The Association also installed a community blood pressure station on campus at Southwestern University as part of their student health initiatives. The Association visited the campus last month and met with students to teach Hands-Only CPR and test their general knowledge about cardiovascular disease, physical activity, and nutrition.
“The college years present a number of challenges, as well as the perfect opportunity for students to begin tracking and prioritizing their health,” said Vannessa Mikan, PhD, Asst. Professor of Instruction in Kinesiology at Southwestern. “By going through the behavior change process to develop healthier eating habits and physical activity behaviors during their college years, they’ll be set up for success once they travel out into the real world.”
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, happens when the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels is too high. Known as the ‘silent killer’, high blood pressure typically has no obvious signs or symptoms but can cause heart attacks, strokes, and other health threats when untreated. There are racial and ethnic disparities in the prevalence of high blood pressure – Black people in the United States are among the most affected in the world, with 55% of Black adults living with hypertension. Similarly, nearly a quarter of students have high blood pressure and are more likely to self-report factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, like being uninsured, food insecure, and low-income.
2025 marks the first year of the American Heart Association’s second century – 101 years of impact as a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. To get involved with the Association in Austin as a donor or a volunteer, visit Texas | American Heart Association.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Michael Vybiral: michael.vybiral@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
