Congresswoman Beatty Introduces Resolution to Promote the Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Hypertension

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) introduced a resolution expressing support for the designation of May as “National Hypertension Awareness Month” and supporting the goals and ideals of this effort.

“While hypertension – or high blood pressure – affects nearly half of U.S. adults, and disproportionately those who lack access to health care, education, healthy foods, and safe neighborhoods, its lack of obvious symptoms often makes it a “silent killer,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “This month is a reminder of the importance of raising awareness about this condition and expanding our efforts to prevent, detect, and treat it. By recognizing National Hypertension Awareness Month in this way, we can help improve health outcomes, reduce health care costs, and save lives.”

The National 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 improving health outcomes and expanding opportunities for everyone to live longer, healthier lives. 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.”

“It’s important that we continue to develop new treatments and therapies for uncontrolled hypertensionthat give patients an array of options when treating such a modifiable disease state,” said Ryan Gough, Executive Director of the Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health.“Adherence is crucial in managing hypertension, yet 50% of patients stop treatment within the first year. As we continue to combat cardiovascular disease, prioritizing therapies that are effective and sustainable for each patient is essential."

"Hypertension is the country's leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease," said Stacy Manthos, Executive Director, American Society Preventive Cardiology (ASPC). 

“Hypertension, often thought of as a silent killer because of its lack of symptoms, can have a devastating impact on a person’s heart health. Highlighting and recognizing the dangers of this condition through Hypertension Awareness Month is an important and necessary step in raising awareness and encouraging people to understand their risk so that they can seek treatment and live longer, healthier lives,” said Mandy Sandkuhler, Director of Partnerships and Communications, MendedHearts.

As a Co-Chair of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition, Congresswoman Beatty has been a champion of policies that raise awareness and promote prevention, treatment, and access to care for cardiovascular diseases. 

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) has served Central Ohio’s working families in Congress since 2013. She is the Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, co-chairs the bipartisan Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus, and is Chair Emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus.  

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