Bakersfield, Calif., January 11, 2024 – Hispanic and Latina moms are the center of the family and often juggle taking care of their families – children and parents - while also balancing jobs and other demands. Often this leaves little time for taking care of their own health and well-being. The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, and local sponsor Dignity Health are encouraging these central community members to take time for themselves in 2024 and learn their blood pressure numbers. 

Blood pressure is a key vital sign and left uncontrolled, can lead to heart attack, kidney disease or failure, eye problems, stroke, heart failure and more. On average, about 1 in 16 Hispanic women aged 20 and older have coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease.[1] Women also face unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can increase their risk of cardiovascular disease over their lifetime, making managing high blood pressure throughout life important. 

“There are many steps an individual can take to manage blood pressure numbers, but it starts with knowing your numbers,” said Leopoldo Puga, M.D., FACC, interventional cardiologist, Dignity Health and volunteer expert for the American Heart Association. “There is a reason we measure blood pressure at almost every office visit, it’s fundamental to understanding health and can even serve as a bell weather for many different conditions that have significantly better outcomes when detected and controlled early." 

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms[2] and in fact, adverse outcomes related to cardiovascular diseases disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic/Latina mothers[3]. Blood pressure is the key vital sign to detecting hypertensive disorders, like preeclampsia[4], in pregnancy[5]. Physical changes associated with menopause also increase a woman's risk of developing high blood pressure. In fact, women of Black and Hispanic ethnicity may develop high blood pressure at a younger age and have a higher average blood pressure than other racial groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[6]

“High blood pressure is so dangerous because it often doesn’t have any symptoms,” said Puga. “It can be doing damage to your heart and other organs and you won’t even feel anything. The good news is, it can be managed and controlled.” 

The American Heart Association recommends women take action to control their blood pressure numbers and measure their blood pressure at home regularly if they or a loved one has a history of high blood pressure. Talk to a trusted medical professional, pharmacist or doctor if measurements are often above 120/80, which is the Association’s threshold for elevated blood pressure. In addition to regular measurement, following a healthy diet, getting the recommended amount of physical activity, not smoking or vaping and getting adequate sleep can go a long way in reducing risk for heart disease and stroke. 

“Overall, I want women to know that if you have high blood pressure you are not alone,” said Puga. “Knowledge is power and your medical team has tools to help you move your numbers within a healthy range. Our goal is to support you in building the long and healthy life you desire.” 

To learn more about high blood pressure and women, visit GoRedforWomen.org/hbp (Español). 

Dignity Health is a proud local sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.

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. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In Kern County, find us at heart.org/SouthernCalifornia, on Facebook, X and Instagram

About Go Red for Women® 

The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).  

For Media Inquiries: 

Lily Gordon, lily.gordon@heart.org

Valerie Koch, valerie.koch@heart.org

heart.org and stroke.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

 

[2] Petersen EE, Davis NL, Goodman D, et al. Vital Signs: Pregnancy-Related Deaths, United States, 2011–2015, and Strategies for Prevention, 13 States, 2013–2017. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019;68:423–429. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6818e1

[3] Petersen EE, Davis NL, Goodman D, et al. Vital Signs: Pregnancy-Related Deaths, United States, 2011–2015, and Strategies for Prevention, 13 States, 2013–2017. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019;68:423–429. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6818e1