YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ALSO AT RISK FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE- DR. UNDERWOOD FROM THE AMA

High blood pressure is not just for “older people”. Young adults can also be at risk for high blood. That’s why it’s important to self monitor. Know your numbers, and if they’re concerning, talk with your doctor!

We talked with Dr. Willie Underwood, a board member for the American Medical Association, about how to stay on top of your blood pressure, ways to improve it, and why it’s so important.

“Nearly half of adult Americans have high blood pressure, and many may not know it,^[1] with 75% of that group being uncontrolled.^[2] According to the data from the American Heart Association, more than half of adult Black men and women 20 years of age and older have cardiovascular disease^[3]. For Hispanic/Latine Americans in this same age group, cardiovascular disease was present in more than half of men and nearly 43% of women^[4]. This increased vulnerability to high blood pressure can be related to environmental and health factors and social determinants.”

“To help empower communities to take control of improving their health, starting with accurate blood pressure management, the American Heart Association (AHA), American Medical Association (AMA), and the Ad Council are releasing new public service announcements (PSAs), encouraging people to self-monitor their blood pressure and speak with a health care professional about care options. The “Get Down With Your Blood Pressure” PSAs feature a catchy and danceable song to get people moving and help empower them to manage their heart health starting with blood pressure. The creative aims to reach historically underserved communities across the country, some of whom may be at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure due to longstanding heath inequities.”

For additional resources and information, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, or visit ManageYourBP.org