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New Campaign Urges Monitoring and Management of Blood Pressure

The American Heart Association (AHA) is launching a critical campaign titled "Love Your Heart. Lower Your Pressure" to highlight the significance of maintaining a healthy blood pressure. This initiative aims to raise awareness among adults, particularly focusing on high-risk groups, about the importance of monitoring blood pressure levels. It comes as nearly 50% of U.S. adults are diagnosed with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, with around 75% of those cases remaining uncontrolled.

The Urgency of Awareness

As part of the American Heart Month celebrations, this year-long campaign features real-life stories from individuals living with hypertension. It aims to encourage community members to get informed about their health metrics and to engage with healthcare providers to manage their blood pressure effectively. The campaign also specifically targets African American and Hispanic/Latino communities, as statistics indicate that both groups experience higher rates of hypertension compared to other demographics, leading to more severe complications.

For instance, data shows that approximately 55% of Black adults suffer from high blood pressure, often experiencing it at a younger age. This can largely be attributed to systemic factors such as socio-economic disadvantages, limited access to quality healthcare, and healthy food choices. Conversely, around 45% of adult Hispanic men and 27% of Hispanic women are affected by hypertension, with studies indicating that this community faces considerable barriers in effectively managing their health due to accessibility issues.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Among the advocates featured in the campaign is Erika Pérez, who was diagnosed with high blood pressure during her third pregnancy. Tragically, ten days after giving birth, she suffered a heart attack, followed by a stroke several years later. Pérez emphasizes the importance of self-care: "I always found it easier to care for others than to look after my own health. Now, I'm focused on controlling my high blood pressure so I can be there for my family," she shared.

Community Support and Health Equity

Whitney Haggerson, VP of Health Equity at Providence, underscores their commitment to promoting health equity by utilizing this campaign to equip communities with necessary health information and resources. "It's not just about raising awareness, but making tangible changes to guarantee all individuals, regardless of their background, receive the necessary support for a healthy lifestyle," Haggerson stated.

Many individuals do not exhibit any clear symptoms of high blood pressure, making regular check-ups essential. For those aged 20 and over with normal blood pressure readings, the AHA recommends annual health screenings to monitor blood pressure levels.

Kathy Rogers, Executive VP of AHA Western States, commented, "Hypertension is a silent killer. The only way to know your blood pressure is to measure it. If your readings are high, it is critical to work closely with your healthcare team for a management plan."

Preventive Measures

The AHA also encourages adopting healthier lifestyle choices, such as reducing chronic stress, increasing physical activity, and choosing nutritious foods. Maintaining a healthy weight, along with limiting or completely avoiding alcohol and tobacco consumption, are vital strategies for preventing and controlling high blood pressure.

With effective management, individuals can significantly reduce their risks of major health complications like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney diseases, ultimately leading to a fuller, healthier life. The positive impact of monitoring and controlling blood pressure cannot be overstated.

To learn more about hypertension, its prevention, and management, visit heart.org/bp.

This campaign is part of the AHA's broader Live Fierce initiative aimed at reducing health risks across multiple communities.

About the AHA

The American Heart Association has dedicated over a century to ensuring equitable health for all, funding innovative medical research and advocating for public health policies. With the support of more than 35 million volunteers globally, they strive relentlessly to improve heart health every day. Discover more about the association through their website and social media platforms.