The American Heart Association is sounding the alarm on high blood pressure, which remains the leading preventable risk factor for heart disease and stroke, particularly in Black communities. According to new data, approximately 125.9 million U.S. adults—47.3%—now live with high blood pressure, an increase from previous years. The burden is significantly higher among Black Americans, with 62.3% of non-Hispanic Black men and 59.2% of non-Hispanic Black women affected, rates that are among the highest in the world. Despite high awareness, only about 22% of Black adults with hypertension have the condition under control.
In 2023, cardiovascular conditions driven by uncontrolled high blood pressure claimed the lives of more than 119,000 Black Americans, a number equivalent to nearly two NFL stadiums. “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 Dr. Keith C. Ferdinand, volunteer co-vice chair of the writing committee for the Association’s 2025 high blood pressure guidelines and chair in preventative cardiology at Tulane University School of Medicine. “When you have high blood pressure, it's not just a number on a chart, it's your future at stake; it's your ability to stay present for the people you love. The good news is: managing your blood pressure is not that hard. The first step is awareness.”
The AHA urges everyone to know their numbers. Normal blood pressure is defined as systolic (top number) less than 120 and diastolic (bottom number) less than 80. Regular checks can be done at a doctor’s office, at home with a monitor, or at a pharmacy kiosk. A single high reading is usually not cause for alarm, but consistently high readings require a conversation with a clinician. Extremely high readings—systolic over 180 or diastolic over 120—can be life-threatening, especially if accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking; call 911 immediately.
Lifestyle changes are the first line of defense. The AHA’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—are proven to protect the heart. For those who need additional help, safe medications are available. The AHA’s 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. For women, managing blood pressure before, during, and after pregnancy is critical, as high blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to serious complications. The AHA’s PREVENT risk calculator helps doctors create personalized plans by estimating heart attack or stroke risk over the next 10 to 30 years. “Staying informed and taking action can help you and your loved ones live a longer, healthier life,” the AHA said. For more information, visit heart.org.
