High Blood Pressure Crisis: Black Communities Face Disproportionate Burden, American Heart Association Warns
The American Heart Association highlights alarming hypertension rates among Black Americans, with nearly 62% of men and 59% of women affected, and urges lifestyle changes and regular monitoring.
High blood pressure remains the leading preventable risk factor for heart disease and stroke, yet nearly half of U.S. adults have the condition, and many are unaware. The American Heart Association (AHA) is intensifying its focus on Black communities, where the burden is disproportionately severe. According to the AHA, high blood pressure affects 62.3% of non-Hispanic Black men and 59.2% of non-Hispanic Black women, among the highest prevalence rates globally. Despite high awareness, only about 22% of Black adults with hypertension have it under control. In 2023, cardiovascular conditions driven by uncontrolled high blood pressure claimed over 119,000 Black American lives—enough to fill 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 Keith C. Ferdinand, M.D., FAHA, FACC, 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.”
Approximately 125.9 million U.S. adults—47.3% of the adult population—now live with high blood pressure, an increase from previous years. The AHA emphasizes the importance of regular blood pressure checks, whether at a doctor’s office, with a home blood pressure monitor, or at a pharmacy kiosk. According to the latest AHA guidelines, normal blood pressure is defined as systolic pressure less than 120 mmHg and diastolic pressure less than 80 mmHg. A single high reading is usually not cause for alarm, but consistently elevated numbers warrant a conversation with a clinician. Extremely high readings—systolic above 180 or diastolic above 120—can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention, especially if accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking.
The AHA’s Life's Essential 8™ outlines key lifestyle habits proven to protect heart health: eat smart, be active, quit tobacco and nicotine, sleep well, manage weight, manage blood pressure, manage cholesterol, and manage blood sugar. For those who cannot control their blood pressure through lifestyle changes alone, safe and effective medications are available. The AHA also highlights new research confirming that high blood pressure can damage brain blood vessels, potentially leading to memory problems and dementia, underscoring the importance of early management.
Women face additional risks, as high blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to serious complications and increase future heart problems. The AHA’s PREVENT™ risk calculator helps clinicians create personalized plans by estimating an individual’s 10- to 30-year risk of heart attack or stroke, enabling earlier intervention if needed. The AHA urges everyone, especially those in high-risk groups, to talk to their doctor about blood pressure management. For more information, visit heart.org.