DALLAS - May 28, 2026 (NEWMEDIAWIRE) - High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is often called the “silent killer” and it is a disproportionate challenge facing Hispanic and Latino communities. Among Hispanic and Latino adults, more than half of the men and more than a third of the women are living with high blood pressure. To help them learn more about managing this risk factor, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on changing the future of health for all, is sharing vital information and awareness on how to keep blood pressure in check - starting with simple lifestyle changes.

Why high blood pressure matters to you and your loved ones

• Currently, approximately 125.9 million (47.3%) of all U.S. adults are now living with high blood pressure - an increase from previous years.
• Among Hispanic and Latino adults:
  • 51.5% of men and 37.3% of women aged 20 and older have hypertension.
• Of those, only about 1 in 4 adults (25.6%) have it under control.
• The effects are serious: 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.
• This silent killer demands attention because controlling blood pressure is one of the most effective, evidence-based 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. 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 Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., FAHA, the 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."

Know Your Numbers

Get your blood pressure checked regularly, even if you only visit your doctor or other health care clinician once a year or so. You can do it yourself with a home blood pressure monitor or even at a kiosk at your local pharmacy or other retail outlet.

According to the most recent guidelines from the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure is when:

• Systolic pressure (top number) is less than 120 and
• Diastolic pressure (bottom number) is less than 80.

“One high reading isn’t usually cause for concern, although, if your blood pressure is consistently high, talk to your trusted clinician about next steps,” Sanchez said. “However, an extremely high reading could be dangerous, especially if you are not exerting yourself or if you have certain other symptoms. Do not ignore that.”

If your systolic pressure is higher than 180 and/or your diastolic is higher than 120, it could be life-threatening. Call 911 right away if you have extremely high blood pressure and any of these symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Back pain
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Change in vision
• Difficulty speaking

A Healthy Lifestyle is Key

Making simple lifestyle changes is the first step to managing your blood pressure.

The American Heart Association’s Life's Essential 8™ are simple, healthy habits that are proven to protect your heart. Follow these science-backed healthy habits:

• Eat Smart
• Be Active
• Quit Tobacco & Nicotine
• Sleep Well
• Manage Weight
• Manage Blood Pressure
• Manage Cholesterol
• Manage Blood Sugar

Some people may still not be able to control their high blood pressure even with these changes. In that case, safe and effective medications are available, and you and your clinician can work together to choose the treatment plan that’s right for you. Check out My Life Check Calculator to get personalized tips to set your own health goals now.

Protect Your Brain

New research confirms that high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain, which may lead to memory problems and dementia as you get older. Taking action now to lower your numbers is essential in protecting your cognitive health as you age.

A Special Focus on Women

It is critical for women to manage blood pressure before, during and after pregnancy. High blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to serious complications and may increase a woman’s risk of future heart problems.

Personalized Care

Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor. They have new tools, like the American Heart Association’s PREVENTTM (Predicting Risk of cardiovascular disease EVENTs) risk calculator, to create a personalized plan for you. This tool helps your doctor look at your personal risk factors to estimate your chances of a heart attack or stroke over the next 10 to 30 years. This allows them to create a tailored treatment plan that might include starting medication earlier, if needed.

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. Because when you take care of your heart, you’re also taking care of your loved ones.

For more information about heart and brain health, visit heart.org.

Additional Resources:

• Multimedia, including downloadable video interview clips with Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., FAHA, is on the right column of the release link.
• News releases in Spanish | Chinese Simplified | Chinese Traditional | Vietnamese | Tagalog
• American Heart Association news release: Understanding High Blood Pressure: Key Facts for Black Communities
• American Heart Association news release: The lowdown on high blood pressure: what the Hispanic community needs to know
• American Heart Association news release: High Blood Pressure: Essential Information for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Health
• American Heart Association health information: High Blood Pressure
• 2025 High Blood Pressure Guideline Journal Hub
• AHA Health information: 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update Fact Sheet: Hispanics/Latinos & Cardiovascular Diseases
• AHA health information: Managing Stress to Control High Blood Pressure
• AHA health information: Managing Blood Pressure with a Heart-Healthy Diet
• Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173

Elizabeth Nickerson Hill: elizabeth.nickerson@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

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