High Blood Pressure a 'Silent Killer' for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Communities, American Heart Association Warns
The American Heart Association highlights disproportionate impact of high blood pressure on AANHPI communities, urging awareness and lifestyle changes to prevent heart disease and stroke.
The American Heart Association is raising awareness about high blood pressure as the number one preventable risk factor for heart disease and stroke, particularly for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities, where the condition affects 1 in 2 men and more than 1 in 3 women. The organization is urging individuals to know their numbers and adopt healthy habits to mitigate risks.
According to the Association, approximately 125.9 million U.S. adults—47.3% of the population—now live with high blood pressure, an increase from previous years. Yet only about 1 in 4 adults have it under control. In the AANHPI community, hypertension alone caused more than 4,000 deaths in 2023, equivalent to the passenger capacity of about 10 jumbo jets. The condition often has no symptoms, making regular monitoring critical.
“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 Justin Lee, M.D., volunteer board member of the American Heart Association Greater Bay Area and general cardiologist at Stanford University. “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.”
The Association recommends regular blood pressure checks, either at a doctor's office, using a home 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 usually not cause for concern, but consistently high readings should prompt a discussion with a clinician. Extremely high readings—systolic above 180 or diastolic above 120—require immediate medical attention, especially if accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or difficulty speaking.
Lifestyle changes are the first line of defense. The Association’s Life's Essential 8 outlines key habits: eat smart, be active, quit tobacco and nicotine, sleep well, manage weight, manage blood pressure, manage cholesterol, and manage blood sugar. For some, medications may be necessary, and patients are encouraged to work with their clinicians to find the right treatment plan.
New research also links high blood pressure to cognitive decline, including memory problems and dementia, as it can damage blood vessels in the brain. Women face additional risks during pregnancy, as high blood pressure can lead to serious complications and increase future heart problems. The Association’s PREVENT™ risk calculator helps clinicians create personalized treatment plans by estimating 10- to 30-year risk of heart attack or stroke.
The American Heart Association emphasizes that staying informed and taking action can help individuals and their loved ones live longer, healthier lives. For more information, visit heart.org.