LOS ANGELES, May 5, 2025 — High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. It is called a “silent killer” because it often has no symptoms. The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get it checked.
In honor of Blood Pressure Education Month this May, the American Heart Association is raising awareness through its “Love your heart. Lower the pressure.” campaign supported by Providence. The goal is to encourage people to know their numbers and work with health care professionals to keep their blood pressure in check.
“There’s actually a lot you can do to manage high blood pressure,” said Monica Ferguson, MD, an internal medicine physician with Providence. “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. But for many people, those things may not be enough, and medication may be required to get high blood pressure under control.”
Hypertension runs in Carlo Lopez’s family. After his own diagnosis more than 20 years ago, Lopez realized the importance of keeping his blood pressure in check. “After I learned I had high blood pressure, I changed the way I ate by swapping my favorite food with healthier options. I also started moving more and took my blood pressure medication as prescribed. If I didn’t make those changes, I wouldn’t be here today,” said the husband, father and musician from Los Angeles.
Blood pressure monitoring recommendations
According to the American Heart Association, people 20 years or older who have normal blood pressure should get a blood pressure check once a year.
Home monitoring is recommended for those with high blood pressure to help health care professionals know if treatments are working.
Choosing a home blood pressure monitor
The Association recommends using an automatic, cuff-style, upper arm (biceps) monitor. Wrist and finger monitors give less reliable readings. Make sure the cuff fits and that the monitor has been validated for accuracy. A list of validated options is available at validatebp.org.
How to use a home blood pressure monitor
Talk with a health care professional about how to measure your blood pressure at home and how often to take it. The American Heart Association recommends the following when preparing to take your blood pressure:
- Plan ahead. Avoid smoking, exercising, eating and drinking caffeinated beverages 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure. Empty your bladder. Measure before taking any blood pressure medication.
- Don't take the measurement over clothes. Remove the clothing over the arm that will be used to measure blood pressure. You can use either arm.
- Sit correctly. Sit with your back straight and supported on a dining chair, rather than a sofa. Your feet should be flat on the floor. Support your arm on a flat surface. The middle of the cuff should be placed on the upper arm at heart level.
- Be still. Rest quietly for five minutes before measuring. Don’t talk or use your phone.
- Measure at the same time every day and track results. Take two readings one minute apart and use a printable tracker to record your numbers. If your monitor has built-in memory to store your readings, take it with you to your medical appointments.
What the numbers mean
A healthy blood pressure is less than 120 over 80. Blood pressure is elevated when the numbers are 120 to 129 over less than 80. Consistent blood pressure readings of 130 over 80 or higher indicate hypertension. Work with a health care professional to reduce health risks. If blood pressure exceeds 180 over 120, it is considered a hypertensive crisis. Seek medical attention immediately.
Learn more about high blood pressure at heart.org/bp.
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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.
Media Inquiries:
Kristine Kelly: kristine.kelly@heart.org
Public Inquiries:
1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
