American Heart Month

February 3, 2025

American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month. Nearly half the adults in the U.S. have hypertension, or high blood pressure, according to the Center for Disease Control. High blood pressure can put you at risk for heart disease and stroke. Watch the video to learn how to measure your blood pressure at home.

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the artery walls. It’s measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) according to the American Heart Association. High blood pressure usually has no signs or symptoms. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure is blood pressure that is consistently 130/80mmHg or higher. View the chart below to understand what the numbers in your blood pressure readings mean.

Black History Month

February is also Black History Month. This month, we want to bring awareness to disparities in care for people of color. Did you know that Black Americans have a higher chance of stroke than any other racial group, according to the American Stroke Association? Click here to learn how to reduce your risk and warning signs for having a stroke.

Black and Hispanic adults are less likely to receive CPR by bystanders outside of hospitals, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Learning how to perform hands-only CPR can help close the gap for this disparity. Click here to learn how to perform hands-only CPR and save a life.

Digital Heart Twin Technology

A new study from the American Heart Association Journal shows a new digital tool for identifying and treating a heart rhythm disorder. Researchers are using computers to make digital replicas of hearts, a ‘digital heart twin’, to identify problems in the heart muscle and treat them faster and more efficiently.

Read More:

High Blood Pressure Facts- CDC

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings – AHA

Black History Month – AHA

Black, Hispanic adults less likely to receive CPR, especially in public – AHA

Hands-Only CPR – AHA

Digital heart twin offers potential new tool for treating dangerous heart rhythms – AHA

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