By Kitty Bailey, Executive Director, Be There San Diego and Rev. Gerald W. Brown, United African American Ministerial Action Council

Rather than 1 in 3 U.S. adults having high blood pressure (32 percent) with the previous definition, new guidelines from the American Heart Association will result in nearly half of the U.S. adult population (46 percent) having high blood pressure, or hypertension.

While there are many environmental and social factors that contribute to heart disease, it is also important to prioritize your personal health to reduce your risk.  Nearly 80% of heart disease and stroke events can be prevented through lifestyle changes, knowing your heart health numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugars), and talking to your doctor about your need for preventive medications.   At Be There San Diego we are working with partners across the County to spread this message so that San Diego can be a “Heart Attack and Stroke Free Zone.”

African-Americans have the highest rates of chronic diseases in San Diego County. Indeed, African American adults in the U.S. have the highest rates of high blood pressure in the world. Because of this Be There San Diego has partnered with the United African American Ministerial Action Council to prevent heart attacks and strokes through engaging African American faith-based organizations. Known as Southeastern San Diego Cardiac Disparities Project, the 19 churches and mosque participating in this work are all changing lives through increasing awareness of heart health, encouraging physical activity, and promoting healthy nutrition in their congregations.   

On February 14th, we encourage you to “join the heart health movement” and get your blood pressure checked at one of the many Love Your Heart screening sites across San Diego County. 

Join us in reading this month’s Live Well San Diego Newsletter, which highlights partners throughout the County who are also working to help San Diegans access preventive care and understand and manage risk factors that can impact their health.