New campaign highlights the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure

"Love your heart. Lower the Pressure." features stories of real people living with high blood pressure

, /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, according to the American Heart Association. Of those, about 75% don't have it under control and many don't know they have it.

To raise greater awareness and reduce untreated high blood pressure, the American Heart Association, with support from Providence, is launching the "Love Your Heart. Lower the Pressure." campaign as part of this year's American Heart Month celebration. The goal is to encourage people to know their numbers and work with their health care team to keep their blood pressure in check and reduce their risk of serious health issues, including heart disease and stroke.

The yearlong campaign, which features the stories of real people living with high blood pressure, especially aims to reach Black and Hispanic/Latino people.

About 55% of Black adults have high blood pressure. Black people have higher rates of more severe high blood pressure than other ethnic groups and it develops earlier in life. This is largely due to historical and systemic factors, including adverse social determinants of health, defined as the conditions in which a person is born and lives, and lack of access to health care, healthy food and other resources that support health.¹

In the Hispanic/Latino community, 45% of adult men and 27% of adult women have hypertension.² A study shows Hispanic/Latino people have lower hypertension control rates due to systemic barriers, including access to quality and affordable healthcare and resources for monitoring and treating their hypertension outside of clinical setting.³

Among the people who shared their story for the campaign is Erika Perez, who was diagnosed with high blood pressure during her third pregnancy. Ten days after giving birth to her child, she suffered a heart attack. Years later, she had a stroke. "It was always easier for me to take care of others than to take care of myself," said Perez, a wife, mother and grandmother who runs three restaurants with her husband. "Now I'm managing my high blood pressure, enjoying more quiet moments and putting my health first because I want to be here for my family." 

"At Providence, we are deeply committed to advancing health equity and addressing the critical health disparities that impact our communities. By supporting the American Heart Association with this hypertension awareness campaign, we aim to equip communities with the knowledge and resources they need to take control of their heart health. This initiative is not just about raising awareness—it's about creating tangible change and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the care and support necessary to lead a healthy life," said Whitney Haggerson, Vice President of Health Equity and Medicaid, Providence.

Most people who have high blood pressure have no obvious symptoms. For people 20 years or older who have normal blood pressure, the American Heart Association recommends getting a blood pressure check once a year.

"Hypertension is a silent killer. Getting your numbers measured is the only way to know if you have it," said Kathy Rogers, executive vice president, American Heart Association Western States. "If your blood pressure is high, it is important to work with your health care team on a plan to get it under control."

According to the American Heart Association, reducing chronic stress, moving more and choosing nourishing food are important steps to prevent and manage high blood pressure. Keeping a healthy weight and reducing or eliminating alcohol and tobacco use are also key. 

"The good news is by keeping your blood pressure under control, you can prevent serious health issues like heart attack, stroke and kidney disease, and enjoy a full, healthy life," said Rogers.

To learn more about high blood pressure and how to prevent and manage it, visit heart.org/bp.

The Love your heart. Lower the pressure. campaign is part of the American Heart Association's Live Fierce. Reduce your risk. initiative supported by Providence.

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 100 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, Instagram, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

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¹ https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/know-your-risk-factors-for-high-blood-pressure/high-blood-pressure-among-black-people
² https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/hispanic-health.htm#:~:text=Percent%20of%20men%20age%2020%20and%20older%20with%20hypertension%20(measured,%25%20(2017%2DMarch%202020)
³ https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.121.18381

SOURCE The American Heart Association