Introducing the National Hypertension Control Initiative
It's time to create a healthier, more equitable country
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically highlighted social inequities in health. In response, the American Heart Association is launching a new evidenced-based, community-driven effort to reduce hypertension, or high blood pressure.
Our Challenge
Hypertension and, by extension, COVID-19 hit vulnerable communities harder than others.
- Almost half of U.S. adults suffer from hypertension, and many don't know they have it.
- Black and Latinx people are twice as likely to develop hypertension. That disparity can be related to social determinants of health, as well as genetics and other health and environmental issues.
- The greater risk for hypertension results in more heart attacks and heart disease, including strokes, which contribute to disproportionate negative outcomes for those infected with COVID-19.
Our Strategy
Increase awareness of hypertension and create an effective preventive care system through four overlapping community approaches.
- Engage the public through outreach and messaging to vulnerable communities regarding risks, self-monitoring techniques and connecting with a healthcare professional to develop a plan for blood pressure management.
- Collaborate with community organizations to support the community by providing blood pressure education, screenings and encouraging a connection with heath care professionals for blood pressure management. These gathering places may include community-based organizations such as recreation and senior centers, houses of worship and hair salons and barber shops, to name a few.
- Involve health care professionals by encouraging best practices in clinical settings, particularly at health centers that serve at-risk communities.
Community Health Center Resources
Our goal
Improve health care and save lives in at-risk communities, which are most affected by hypertension and COVID-19.
- Increase blood pressure control by working in tandem with community members, businesses and organizations and Community Health Centers across the country to remove barriers and improve health for vulnerable populations.
For questions about the National Hypertension Control Initiative, please email us at nhci@heart.org.
How To Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home
Whether you’re learning how to self-measure your blood pressure at home or if you’re bringing this information to your community, we’ve got you covered. Use these resources to find the right information for you.
Here’s how neighborhoods are taking control of their health
We’re working together to address high blood pressure in under-resourced communities! Listen in to learn how people across the country are making a change in the health of their neighborhoods through collaborative care practices.
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Join us as we create new paths to community health, starting with blood pressure control! We’re calling on community members, organizations, businesses and others to collaborate with us as we work to enrich the lives of our neighbors – together!
