Congresswoman Beatty Introduces Hypertension Awareness Month Resolution

WASHINGTON, DC – As part of National Hypertension Awareness Month U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) introduced H.Res. 1232 supporting the goals and ideals of National Hypertension Month. 

"High blood pressure, often termed the "silent killer" for its lack of obvious symptoms, poses a significant threat to public health.  We must continue to raise awareness about this condition,” said Congresswoman Beatty.  “This month is a significant opportunity to amplify this effort for Americans and highlight the necessary information and resources for prevention, early detection, and proper management.”

The Hypertension Awareness Month resolution is supported by the American Heart Association and the Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health.

“With nearly half of adults in the U.S. having high blood pressure or hypertension, communities that lack access to education, health care, healthy foods and safe neighborhoods have an even higher risk of developing the condition,”said Mark Schoeberl, Executive Vice President of Advocacy, American Heart Association. “Through efforts like our Get Down With Your Blood Pressure™ program and advocacy work to pass science-based policies that will improve the places in which we work, live and play, the American Heart Association is committed to addressing disparities and improving health and hope for everyone everywhere. We thank Rep. Beatty for her leadership to recognize National Hypertension Awareness Month and raise awareness of the steps that individuals can take to improve their blood pressure.”

"We applaud Congresswoman Beatty for her commitment to the 122 million Americans living with hypertension, raising awareness about this often symptomless disease. Hypertension disproportionately impacts communities of color. Roughly 55% of Black Americans have hypertension,” said  Dharmesh Patel, MD, President of the Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health. “All too often, patients endure worse outcomes because they do not know their number. Fortunately, there are a plethora of tools to manage hypertension, but these tools are only beneficial insofar as patients recognize they have the condition. Hypertension Awareness Month and this resolution raise much-needed awareness around hypertension monitoring and management."

Nearly half of all adults in the United States are affected by high blood pressure, making it a leading risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases. Despite its prevalence, high blood pressure often goes undetected and untreated, leading to severe health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Alarmingly, high blood pressure contributes to nearly 500,000 deaths per year in the United States. However, only about one in four adults in the United States has their high blood pressure under control, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and management efforts.

National Hypertension Awareness Month provides a platform to shed light on this preventable condition, ensuring that Americans have access to the information and care necessary to safeguard their health and longevity.

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