The American Heart Association is calling attention to the disproportionate impact of high blood pressure on Hispanic and Latino communities, sharing vital information on lifestyle changes and monitoring to combat this “silent killer.” According to the association, more than half of Hispanic men (51.5%) and more than a third of Hispanic women (37.3%) aged 20 and older have hypertension, yet only about 1 in 4 adults have it under control.
In 2023, cardiovascular disease, much of it driven by uncontrolled high blood pressure, claimed more than 66,000 Hispanic and Latino lives, nearly enough to fill a major professional soccer stadium. Nationwide, approximately 125.9 million U.S. adults (47.3%) now live with high blood pressure, an increase from previous years.
“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 association emphasizes regular blood pressure checks, whether at a doctor’s visit, using a home blood pressure monitor, or at a pharmacy kiosk. Normal blood pressure is defined as systolic pressure less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic pressure less than 80 mm Hg. If systolic pressure exceeds 180 or diastolic exceeds 120, it could be life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention if accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking.
Key lifestyle changes align with the association’s Life's Essential 8™: eat smart, be active, quit tobacco and nicotine, sleep well, manage weight, manage blood pressure, manage cholesterol, and manage blood sugar. For some, medications may be necessary, and the My Life Check calculator offers personalized tips.
New research confirms that high blood pressure can damage brain blood vessels, leading to memory problems and dementia. Women, in particular, need to manage blood pressure before, during, and after pregnancy, as hypertension can lead to serious complications and increase future heart risks. The association’s PREVENT™ risk calculator helps clinicians create personalized treatment plans by estimating heart attack or stroke risk over 10 to 30 years.
“Whether dancing at family gatherings, cooking traditional meals with a healthy twist or walking with your kids after dinner, small steps can lead to big changes,” the association notes. For more information, visit heart.org.
