FAQ
FAQ
General Enquiries
How can I contact Hypertension Canada (HC)?
Hypertension Canada
3780 14th Avenue, Suite 211
Markham, ON L3R 9Y5
Tel: 905-943-9400
Fax: 905-943-9401
admin@hypertension.ca
How do I make a donation to HC?
When will the next HC Annual Scientific Meeting be held?
Join us at the 2012 Canadian Hypertension Congress (CHC), October 25 to October 28, 2012 at the Sheraton Centre, Toronto, Ontario.
When is the deadline for submitting an Abstract for the next Annual Scientific Meeting?
The Abstract Submission Deadline is July, 2012
How do I submit an Abstract for the Annual Meeting?
How can I apply/nominate a colleague for the HC Award?
Please click here for more information on the Awards Hypertension Canada offers, and click on the name of the Award application information.
The deadline for submission for a HC Award is May 14, 2012.
Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.
Please forward all nominations electronically to:
Awards Committee
Hypertension Canada
admin@hypertension.ca
For further information, please contact Paul Landers at Hypertension Canada
paul.landers@hypertension.ca
Where can I order a video on the Silent Killer?
Send your request to: admin@hypertension.ca
Membership
How do I become a member of Hypertension Canada?
Inquiries should be sent to:
Hypertension Canada
3780 14th Avenue, Suite 211
Markham, ON L3R 9Y5
Tel (905)943-9400
Fax (905)943-9401
admin@hypertension.ca
What are the benefits of being a member?
As an individual member of Hypertension Canada;
- You may attend all general meetings
- As a member in good standing you are entitled to vote
- You will be kept informed of the activities of the organization through notices, minutes and updated materials
- Members and their recent publications are highlighted in our eINFO newsletter
- A member's only area on our website provides a Member Directory listing contact information, areas of interest related to vascular health and recent publications
- Current members are eligible for Hypertension Canada grants and competitions
- Discounted registration for Hypertension Canada events and some associate organization's meetings
How do I update my membership information?
You can update your information online.
Login to the HC Online Membership and select "My Profile"
Click here to go to your profile now
How can I obtain my membership identification number?
Your membership number will be listed in the letter of confirmation you receive after joining or renewing your membership. You may also send a request for your number to admin@hypertension.ca.
Do I need to renew my membership?
Yes, the annual membership year is from May 1 to April 30.
Research
How does Hypertension Canada support research about the prevention and control of high blood pressure?
Hypertension Canada sponsors a range of grant competitions generally in support of the training of new scientists. These competitions are generally held in partnership with peer-reviewed biomedical research granting organizations like CIHR and HSF. For current postings see the Hypertension Canada website at www.hypertension.ca
Click here for grant information
Canadian Hypertension Educational Program (CHEP)
Where can I find the latest hypertension guidelines?
Please click here for the most up-to-date hypertension guidelines.
Can I obtain a hard copy of the CHEP Educational Resources?
Please send your request to: admin@hypertension.ca
How do I get permission to use CHEP material from your website?
Slide kits, supporting literature, patient information, recommendations and an extensive electronic patient support for home blood pressure measurement and lifestyle change can be found at: www.hypertension.ca. You may use the material for your educational sessions and mention the source.
Advocacy
Medical
What is the prevalence of hypertension in Canada?
- One in five adults Canadians has hypertension and many are not aware their blood pressure is high.
- 19 in 20 Canadians are estimated to develop hypertension if they live an average life span.
- In 2005, 5.7 million adults had been diagnosed with hypertension and over 5 million were treated with drugs for hypertension.
- The number of adults diagnosed with hypertension doubled between 1995 and 2005.
- Hypertension is the leading diagnosis for an adult to visit a physician in Canada.
- Almost ½ of Canadian women over age 60 were taking antihypertensive medication in 2003.
In a patient with controlled hypertension, what investigations would be routinely advised at follow up and how often should cardiovascular risk be re-assessed?
Please click here and visit the CHEP Section
Where can I find information on dietary sodium in Canada?
Please click here for more information on dietary sodium in Canada?.
Where can I find information on Hypertension & Diabetes?
Please click here for more information on Hypertension & diabetes.
I am a patient; could you give me some advice on my condition/medication?
This website is not intended to provide medical consultation or examination. The information contained within these web pages is intended to provide accurate and helpful information for healthcare professionals and the general public. It is made available with the understanding that the authors and publishers are not engaged in rendering medical, health, psychological, or any other kind of personal professional services on this site. Always seek the advice of a trained health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before seeking any treatment.
I want to organize educational sessions with my colleague; do you have some material that I can use?
Slide kits and supporting literature, patient information and recommendations and also an extensive electronic patient support for home blood pressure measurement and lifestyle change can be found at: www.hypertension.ca. You may use the material for your educational sessions and mention the source.
I want to set up a hypertension clinic, what resources and educational tools do you suggest? (or what educational tools are available?)
We suggest you have a healthcare professional available to take blood pressure readings and to discuss and answer any questions related to hypertension. We have a number of brochures that can be ordered at no cost to hand out. (i.e. Managing my Blood Pressure, Hypertension & Diabetes, Home Measurement of Blood Pressure, Get the Facts on Sodium) Please check our education materials section for the full selection.
Click here for educational resources
Patient Information
What is hypertension?
Your heart pumps blood around your body. Blood pressure is the force of blood against your artery walls as it circulates through your body. This force is necessary to make the blood flow, delivering energy throughout your body. However, high blood pressure, also called hypertension, means there is too much pressure in your arteries.
Click here for more information
Why should I be concerned about hypertension?
High blood pressure is one of the leading health problems in Canada. It causes strokes, heart attacks, heart failure and kidney failure. It is also related to dementia and sexual problems. Finding and treating high blood pressure early helps prevent these problems.
I am a patient. How can I find out more about Hypertension?
Please visit: www.mybpsite.ca to find information about hypertension.
I am a patient could you give me some advice on my condition/medication?
This website is not intended to provide medical consultation or examination. The information contained within these web pages is intended to provide accurate and helpful information for healthcare professionals and the general public. It is made available with the understanding that the authors and publishers are not engaged in rendering medical, health, psychological, or any other kind of personal professional services on this site. Always seek the advice of a trained health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before seeking any treatment
I am a patient. How can I find information about reducing my sodium intake?
Please visit: www.lowersodium.ca and www.sodium101.ca
I am a patient, where can I find more information on medication?
Please visit : www.mybpsite.ca and view the Medication section
Blood Pressure Measurement
Why should I measure my blood pressure if my doctors does?
Whether or not you have high blood pressure, it is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Nine out of 10 Canadians will develop high blood pressure during their lifetime. High blood pressure has no warning signs or symptoms – which is why it is often called a 'silent killer.' Have your blood pressure checked at least once every two years by a health care provider or more often if your blood pressure is high. You can also check your blood pressure at home. If home blood pressure readings are done properly they may reflect your usual pressure more than those done in the doctor's office. Regular blood pressure checks help make sure that high blood pressure is diagnosed and controlled before it leads to serious health problems.
I am a patient. Where can I find information about buying a home blood pressure monitor?
You want to buy a home blood pressure monitor that meets international accuracy standards and one that is suited to your needs. Only approved devices have the Hypertension Canada approved check. Look for this symbol. You need to buy a device that has a blood pressure cuff that fits you properly. It is advisable to have your arm size measured at the time of purchase. Please visit: www.hypertension.ca and view Devices endorsed by Hypertension Canada.
Click here for more information
Where can I find the list of approved blood pressure measuring devices endorsed by Hypertension Canada?
Click here for more information
Do you have any guidelines on the correct way to measure blood pressure?
Read the educational tools : How to manage blood pressure. You can find the tools at the following link
How many readings do I have to take when measuring blood pressure and how do I record them?
Take at least two readings and record them on your BP log.
How do I know which cuff size to use?
Blood pressure cuffs come in different sizes. It is very important that the cuff fits your arm properly. The wrong cuff size will give incorrect readings. It is important to measure arm circumference to buy the right cuff and ask your pharmacist to help you to choose the right size cuff.
A large cuff is still too small. What should I do?
Where can I order a video on How to measure BP?
Please send your request to: admin@hypertension.ca
Blood Pressure Monitors
Can you recommend a blood pressure monitor for me to purchase? Where can I buy it?
You want to buy a home blood pressure monitor that meets international accuracy standards and one that is suited to your needs. Only approved devices have the Hypertension Canada approved check. Look for this symbol. You need to buy a device that has a blood pressure cuff that fits you properly. It is advisable to have your arm size measured at the time of purchase. Please visit: www.hypertension.ca and view Devices endorsed by Hypertension Canada.
Click here for more information
How do you select blood pressure monitors for your recommended list?
Submissions for obtaining Hypertension Canada endorsement to the sub-committee chair should include the following documentation:
- Validation articles published in medical journals which have undergone peer-review prior to publication.
- A statement as to which protocols are being used to claim accuracy of the device. (e.g. British Hypertension Society, International Protocol, AAMI protocol)
- Status of the device on the listings of the "http://www.dableducational.com" website.
- The exact models for which endorsement is being requested. Different model numbers (e.g. USA/Canada versus Europe) for identical devices should be noted.
The blood pressure monitor I want to buy is not on your list of recommended devices. Why not?
The manufacturer or distributor of the automated blood pressure measurement device (ABPMD) may not have applied for Hypertension Canada's endorsement by submitting supporting data to the Chair of the Automated Blood Pressure Sub-committee. In order to be recommended by Hypertension Canada the blood pressure monitor must meet our criteria of endorsement (see Device/Endorsements/Guidelines for more information).
How often should my blood pressure monitor be calibrated/serviced and who can do this for me?
Is it still OK to use mercury and aneroid blood pressure monitors?