A pilot program to help people control high blood pressure is coming to communities in Iowa. The American Heart Association along with Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced the launch of “Check. Change. Control.,” which allows participants to take control of their cardiovascular health by monitoring their blood pressure. The program, which will first launch in Stuart, West Des Moines and Des Moines, provides participants with the knowledge and tools to improve their blood pressure numbers through increased physical activity, eating a balanced diet and managing their mental well-being. “Not only is high blood pressure hard to spot, if left untreated, it can lead to heart attack, stroke and other serious health conditions,” Dr. Naim Munir, vice president and chief medical officer for Wellmark, said in a news release. “And because nearly half of all Americans have high blood pressure, there is a significant need for education, awareness and action.” The American Heart Association will work with community health centers to identify Iowans who would benefit from the program. Community Care Center in Stuart, Exemplar Care in West Des Moines and Primary Health Care in Des Moines will implement the program first for up to 250 participants. For more information, click here.