May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, or the "silent killer", is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and a major cause of morbidity and mortality.  African Americans are especially vulnerable to high blood pressure.  They develop high blood pressure more often, and at an earlier age, than whites and Hispanics.  Among African Americans, more women than men have the condition. 

Patients can achieve greater hypertension control by taking their medications as directed, measuring their own blood pressure, and eating a lower-sodium diet.  The Center's "Just Check It" program can help you control your high blood pressure.

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May is also National Stroke Awareness Month

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. In 2008 alone, more than 133,000 Americans died from stroke—or one person every four minutes— making it the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. 

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