The American Heart Association is raising awareness about high blood pressure, the leading preventable risk factor for heart disease and stroke in the United States, which disproportionately affects Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. According to the association, approximately 125.9 million U.S. adults (47.3%) currently live with high blood pressure, an increase from previous years, yet only about 1 in 4 adults (25.6%) have it under control. Within the AANHPI community, high blood pressure affects 1 in 2 men and more than 1 in 3 women, and it was responsible for over 4,000 deaths among AANHPI adults in 2023 alone.
“Heart health is intensely personal, and scientific research shows us that one of the most important things you can do to be heart healthy is to manage your blood pressure,” said Justin Lee, M.D., volunteer board member of the American Heart Association Greater Bay Area and general cardiologist at Stanford University. “When you have high blood pressure, it's not just a number on a chart—it's your future at stake and your ability to stay present for the people you love. The good news is: managing your blood pressure is not hard. The first step is awareness.”
The association emphasizes the importance of knowing your numbers. Normal blood pressure is defined as systolic pressure less than 120 and diastolic pressure less than 80. Regular monitoring is key, whether at a doctor's office, with a home blood pressure monitor, or at a pharmacy kiosk. Dr. Lee notes that one high reading is usually not cause for concern, but consistently high readings should prompt a conversation with a clinician. Extremely high blood pressure—systolic above 180 and/or diastolic above 120—could be life-threatening, especially if accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, change in vision, or difficulty speaking, and requires immediate emergency care.
Lifestyle changes are the first line of defense. The American Heart Association’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 struggle to control their blood pressure, safe and effective medications are available. The My Life Check calculator provides personalized tips to set health goals.
New research confirms that high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain, leading to memory problems and dementia as people age. Taking action to lower numbers is essential for cognitive health. For women, managing blood pressure before, during, and after pregnancy is critical, as high blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to serious complications and increase future heart risk.
Personalized care is also important. The American Heart Association’s PREVENT™ risk calculator helps clinicians assess an individual’s risk of heart attack or stroke over the next 10 to 30 years, allowing for tailored treatment plans that may include earlier medication. “Staying informed and taking action can help you and your loved ones live a longer, healthier life,” the association advises. For more information, visit heart.org.
