Hypertension (high blood pressure) is often called the “silent killer” because people will not know that they suffer from high blood pressure until it is too late. Hypertension can lead to dangerous complications including, heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. High blood pressure can be controlled with the appropriate lifestyle adjustment and medication. Unfortunately, many in the community do not understand the dangers of hypertension or are unaware that their blood pressure is dangerously high. CHWs serve a vital function in health promotion by educating members of their community and measuring blood pressure for those with limited access to preventive care. This course teaches CHWs the basic concepts of blood pressure and demonstrates the correct techniques for measuring blood pressure.

Course Topics:
1) What is blood pressure?
2) What defines hypertension?
3) Hypertension risk factors
4) Hypertension management
5) What defines hypotension
6) Hypo- and Hypertension emergencies
7) Measuring blood pressure

Learning Objectives:
1) The CHW student will learn how to participate in individual assessment through observation and active inquiry
2) The CHW student will know how to use pertinent technology
3) The CHW student will understand pertinent health issues
4) The CHW student will learn about healthy lifestyle and self-care

Core Competencies:
6. Education and Facilitation
6g. Collaborate with other educators
7. Assessment
7a. Participate in individual assessment through observation and active inquiry
8. Outreach
8a. Conduct case-finding, recruitment and follow up
9. Professional conduct
9d. Use pertinent technology
10. Knowledge
10b. Pertinent health issues
10c. Healthy lifestyle and self-care