The American Heart Association (AHA) has issued a new awareness campaign focused on high blood pressure, or hypertension, within Hispanic and Latino communities, where the condition is disproportionately prevalent. According to the organization, more than half of Hispanic men (51.5%) and more than a third of women (37.3%) aged 20 and older have hypertension. Only about one in four (25.6%) of these individuals have their blood pressure under control.
The condition, often called the 'silent killer,' contributed to cardiovascular disease claiming over 66,000 Hispanic and Latino lives in 2023. AHA emphasizes that controlling blood pressure is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. 'In our community, family is everything and taking care of your heart is an act of love for those around you,' said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., FAHA, chief medical officer for prevention at the American Heart Association. 'Managing blood pressure is a powerful, protective step you can take for your family’s future, and it starts with knowing your numbers today.'
The AHA recommends regular blood pressure checks, whether at a doctor’s office, using a home blood pressure monitor, or at a pharmacy kiosk. According to the most recent guidelines, normal blood pressure is systolic (top number) less than 120 and diastolic (bottom number) less than 80. An extremely high reading—systolic above 180 and/or diastolic above 120—could be life-threatening and warrants immediate medical attention, especially if accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking.
Lifestyle changes are the first step in managing blood pressure. The AHA’s Life’s Essential 8™ outlines key habits: eat smart, be active, quit tobacco and nicotine, sleep well, manage weight, manage blood pressure, manage cholesterol, and manage blood sugar. For those who still cannot control their blood pressure through lifestyle alone, safe and effective medications are available. The My Life Check calculator provides personalized tips for setting health goals.
New research indicates that high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain, potentially leading to memory problems and dementia. The AHA also highlights the critical need for women to manage blood pressure before, during, and after pregnancy, as hypertension during pregnancy can lead to serious complications and increase future heart risks. Additionally, the association’s PREVENT™ risk calculator helps doctors create personalized treatment plans by estimating the risk of heart attack or stroke over the next 10 to 30 years.
The campaign urges Hispanic communities to take small steps, such as dancing at family gatherings, cooking traditional meals with a healthy twist, or walking with children, to achieve big changes. 'Because when you take care of your heart, you’re also taking care of your loved ones,' Sanchez said. For more information, visit heart.org. The AHA continues to provide resources in multiple languages, including Spanish, to address health disparities.
