Carilion Clinic's world record attempt for most blood pressures taken in 24 hours begins Friday, May 16th at 3:00 p.m. at Valley View Mall. Thanks to the Roanoke Times for a really nice story in today's extra section. Click the picture to the right to read it.
Our challenge just got a little bigger. We've learned that a group in the Philippines set a record in March of 2302. We commend them for their great effort - and we're going to try to beat them!
Members of the media - check this site during the event for photographs and updates.
Practice Event held on May 9th
Two expert blood pressure takers checked 47 people in 30 minutes during a practice run at Valley View Mall today. The event was intended to test the procedures that will be used during the actual 24-hour record attempt that will be held on May 16th starting at 3 p.m.
Carilion needs to record more than 2109 blood pressures in a 24-hour period in order to break the current
Guinness World Record. Click below to watch Dr. Paul Frantz, Carilion Clinic's Director of Cardiac Services, start the time trial.
Its not about speed - the blood pressure readings must be taken accurately. 30% of the population has high blood pressure - 30% of them don't know it. If those figures hold true for Valley View Mall shoppers, we have the opportunity to warn more than 200 people that they have a potentially life-threatening condition, and encourage them to seek treatment.
In order to meet the goal AND be accurate, we will have at least a dozen blood pressure checkers working in different areas of the mall during high traffic. 3 will continue on duty through the night so if you can come by at 3 a.m. and have your blood pressure checked.
Tickets will be used to keep an official count, and draw for door prizes which include the popular "I Got Cuffed for a Guinness World Record" T-Shirt.
Bring your family, friends and neighbors and let's bring a World Record home to Roanoke!
Click for more information on Blood Pressure Awareness Month. Click here for the American Heart Association's High Blood Pressure Risk Calculator.
