National Hypertension Control Initiative
It's time to create a healthier, more equitable country
About the National Hypertension Control Initiative
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically highlighted social inequities in health. In response, the American Heart Association launched the National Hypertension Control Initiative, an evidence-based, community-driven effort to reduce hypertension, or high blood pressure, a condition that nearly half of adult Americans are living with. Many of them don’t even know it.
Now more than ever, it’s important for everyone to pay attention to their blood pressure numbers. High blood pressure is a leading cause and controllable risk factor for heart disease, stroke and can contribute to worse outcomes for people who contract COVID-19.
Learn more about us and our efforts to strengthen and extend the reach of blood pressure knowledge and tools in communities affected by uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Join the Get Down With Your Blood Pressure Dance Movement!
Nearly 1 in 2 adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure — and many don’t know it. That’s why we invite you to join the Get Down With Your Blood Pressure Dance movement. You can raise awareness about high blood pressure and encourage everyone in your life to learn more about their numbers and the importance of self-monitoring your blood pressure.
First, watch the short dance video. While grooving to the beat, you’ll learn the four easy steps to stay on top of your blood pressure: Get it. Slip it. Cuff it. Check it. Share those numbers with your doctor. After practicing the simple dance steps, get down with your version of the moves with the Get Down With Your Blood Pressure music available on social media and music streaming platforms.
Then, to keep the movement moving, upload and share your dance on your social media channels with the hashtag #GetDownWithYourBP.
Learn How to Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home
It's important to know how to do it correctly, especially if your doctor has recommended that you regularly monitor your blood pressure.
National Hypertension Control Initiative Support
This project is supported by cooperative agreements (CPIMP211227 and CPIMP211228) with the Office of Minority Health (OMH) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as part of a financial assistance award totaling $14.6 million in partnership with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The contents do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by OMH/OASH/HHS or the U.S. Government.
Creating Healthier Communities
Community-based organizations, businesses, places of worship and, most importantly, neighbors like you are key in making neighborhoods healthier. Discover more resources to help support your mission.
Community Health Center Resources
Health care professionals are a vital part of our work to help improve blood pressure control rates.
Head over to our dedicated Health Center Hub with training information and resources designed to help you and your team successfully partner with patients.
News you can use
We’re here to help you in your healthy blood pressure journey. These articles are meant to provide relevant information and tips.
- When it comes to accurate blood pressure readings, cuff size matters
- Residential segregation may increase risk for high blood pressure
- Hospitalized COVID-19 patients from 'socially vulnerable' neighborhoods may be more likely to die
- Some young Asian women may face higher risks for high blood pressure
- AHA debuts National Hispanic Latino Cardiology Association
- High blood pressure before midlife linked to smaller brain, greater dementia risk
- How Black women can take control of their blood pressure
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure shifts with age, hitting men and women differently
- DASH diet and exercise helps uncontrolled high blood pressure, study finds (Courtesy CNN, by Sandee LaMotte, CNN)
- There’s no place like home … to track blood pressure