The American Heart Association is drawing attention to the disproportionate impact of high blood pressure on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities, emphasizing that it remains the number one preventable risk factor for heart disease and stroke in the United States. Currently, approximately 125.9 million (47.3%) of all U.S. adults are living with high blood pressure, an increase from previous years, yet only about 1 in 4 adults have it under control. Within the AANHPI community, high blood pressure affects 1 in 2 men and more than 1 in 3 women, and hypertension alone was responsible for more than 4,000 deaths among AANHPI adults in 2023.
Dr. Justin Lee, volunteer board member of the American Heart Association Greater Bay Area and general cardiologist at Stanford University, stresses the importance of awareness. "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 Lee. "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."
Getting blood pressure checked regularly is crucial, whether at a doctor's visit, with a home blood pressure monitor, or at a pharmacy kiosk. According to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure is systolic less than 120 and diastolic less than 80. An extremely high reading—systolic over 180 and/or diastolic over 120—can be life-threatening, especially if accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking; in such cases, call 911 immediately.
Lifestyle changes are the first line of defense. The American Heart Association’s Life's Essential 8™—which include eating smart, being active, quitting tobacco, sleeping well, managing weight, and controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar—are proven to protect heart health. For some, medications may also be needed, and the My Life Check calculator can provide personalized tips.
New research confirms that high blood pressure can damage brain blood vessels, leading to memory problems and dementia. Managing blood pressure is also critical for women before, during, and after pregnancy, as high blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to serious complications and increase future heart risks. The American Heart Association’s PREVENT™ risk calculator helps clinicians create personalized treatment plans. Staying informed and taking action can help individuals live longer, healthier lives. For more information, visit heart.org.
