SPECIAL ISSUE: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
WORDS - Ariana Mygatt

Heart Disease is the #1 cause of death in Baltimore, and it is caused by a combination of uncontrolled high blood pressure and high cholesterol. 

Uncontrolled high blood pressure significantly raises the risk for heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss, and sexual dysfunction. 

46% of U.S. adults have high blood pressure. About 1 in 3 U.S. adults with high blood pressure aren’t aware they have it and are not being treated. 

Many people do not experience any symptoms for their high blood pressure. Because it can lead to life-threatening conditions without warning signs, it is often referred to as a “silent killer.” You must have multiple blood pressure readings to know if you have high blood pressure, so don’t skip your annual check-ups!

Your risk of high blood pressure increases with age, but it doesn’t just happen to older adults. Nearly 1 in 4 adults aged 20 to 44 have high blood pressure, and high blood pressure can affect children and teenagers too. 

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase the risk of complications of COVID-19 and other diseases.

You can manage your blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medication. Making these important, positive changes can decrease your blood pressure and make you 25% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease.