LOS ANGELES, September 15, 2025 — Erika Perez was diagnosed with high blood pressure during her third pregnancy. Ten days after giving birth to her child, she suffered a heart attack. Years later, she had a stroke. Perez’s story is a powerful reminder of the health risks that come with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
More than half of Latino men and about a third of Latino women 20 years and older suffer from high blood pressure.[1] High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
Latino adults have lower rates of hypertension awareness, treatment and control rates compared to their white counterparts. Language and cultural barriers, as well as systemic barriers, including lack of access to health insurance, prevent access to quality primary care for diagnosing, monitoring and treating hypertension.[2] In 2022, hypertension caused the deaths of 5,132 US Hispanic men and 4,694 Hispanic women.[3]
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is raising awareness through its bilingual “Love your heart. Lower the pressure.” campaign, supported by Providence. Featuring the stories of real people living with high blood pressure, including Perez, the multimedia awareness campaign aims to encourage people to know their numbers and work with healthcare professionals to manage their blood pressure effectively.
“It was always easier for me to take care of others than to take care of myself,” said Perez, a wife, mother and grandmother who runs three restaurants with her husband. “Now I’m managing my high blood pressure, enjoying more quiet moments and putting my health first because I want to be here for my family.”
Monica Ferguson, MD, an internal medicine physician with Providence, says managing high blood pressure is possible, and it starts with small steps. “Losing weight if you are overweight can help. Reducing your sodium intake, following a plant-based diet and exercising regularly are all things that can help lower blood pressure. For many people, those things may not be enough, and medication may be required to get high blood pressure under control,” she said.
A heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce high blood pressure
According to the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology, a normal blood pressure for adults is a systolic (top number) measurement of less than 120 mmHg and a diastolic (bottom number) reading under 80 mmHg.
Those with higher blood pressure are advised to talk to their health care professional about how to lower their numbers.
Some of the steps that can prevent or improve blood pressure are:
- Eating a well-balanced diet. The American Heart Association recommends a healthy eating pattern that emphasizes vegetables, fruits and whole grains. It includes plant-based proteins (such as beans, peas and lentils), fish, skinless poultry, nontropical vegetable oils, and nuts and seeds. Limit your intake of sodium, sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages, red meat and processed meats.
- Limiting alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women for people who choose to drink alcohol.
- Enjoying regular physical activity. Physical activity not only can help control high blood pressure. It can also help manage their weight, strengthen their heart and lower stress levels.
- Managing stress. Stress can contribute to high blood pressure risk factors such as poor diet and drinking too much alcohol. Healthy habits such as exercising regularly and getting enough sleep can help reduce stress.
- Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight puts extra strain on the heart and increases the risk of high blood pressure.
- Quitting smoking. Or don't start. Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke increase the risk of plaque buildup inside the arteries, called atherosclerosis. High blood pressure is known to speed up this process. Blood pressure increases in the short term every time one smokes.
- Taking medications properly. Medication is sometimes needed to treat high blood pressure. It is important for people to follow their treatment plan. Talking with health care professionals can help address fears or concerns about taking medication.
Learn more about high blood pressure at heart.org/bp.
Additional Resources:
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Instagram, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For media inquiries, contact:
Kristine Kelly, kristine.kelly@heart.org
Public Inquiries:
1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721), heart.org and stroke.org
