American Heart Association Highlights Hypertension Crisis in Hispanic Communities

The American Heart Association is drawing attention to the disproportionate impact of high blood pressure on Hispanic and Latino communities, where more than half of men and over a third of women are affected. In a new awareness campaign, the organization emphasizes that controlling blood pressure is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, which claimed over 66,000 Hispanic and Latino lives in 2023.

Currently, approximately 125.9 million U.S. adults—47.3%—have high blood pressure, an increase from previous years. Among Hispanic and Latino adults aged 20 and older, 51.5% of men and 37.3% of women have hypertension, yet only about 1 in 4 have it under control. This "silent killer" demands attention because it often shows no symptoms until serious complications arise.

"In our community, family is everything, and taking care of your heart is an act of love for those around you," said Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, 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 urges regular blood pressure checks, whether at a doctor's office, with a home blood pressure monitor, or at a pharmacy kiosk. Normal blood pressure is defined as systolic less than 120 and diastolic less than 80. A single high reading is not usually cause for alarm, but consistently high readings require medical attention. Extremely high readings—systolic above 180 or diastolic above 120—can be life-threatening and warrant immediate emergency care if accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms.

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, sleep well, manage weight, and control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. For those who still cannot manage their blood pressure through lifestyle alone, safe and effective medications are available. 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 later in life, making early control essential for cognitive health. For women, managing blood pressure before, during, and after pregnancy is critical, as hypertension can lead to serious complications and increase future heart risks.

Clinicians now have tools like the American Heart Association's PREVENT™ risk calculator to create personalized treatment plans, estimating heart attack or stroke risk over 10 to 30 years. The association encourages open conversations with doctors to tailor care.

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