| Healthy Hearts, Healthy Communities | | Bridging Disparities in the Rates of Hypertension | | In the United States, research has shown non-Hispanic black women are more likely to have high blood pressure compared to women of other racial and ethnic groups. In addition, pre-pregnancy hypertension rates nearly doubled in the past decade with higher prevalence among women living in rural areas. That means more women may be at risk for preeclampsia, which is hypertension during pregnancy. Preeclampsia can contribute to negative health outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. OWH is committed to advancing health equity. We launched the HHS Hypertension Innovator Award Competition to ensure women with hypertension during pregnancy or postpartum receive effective monitoring and follow-up care. We also are working to increase knowledge about and expand access to self-measured or self-monitoring blood pressure resources through the OWH Self-Measured Blood Pressure Program. | | These initiatives build on broader HHS efforts to address hypertension among racial and ethnic minority populations, reduce disparities, and prevent pregnancy-related deaths. These broader initiatives include: Reducing disparities in the rates of hypertension requires action. Learning your own personal risk factors can help. You may have an increased risk of high blood pressure if you have a family history of the disease. Other risk factors include unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and obesity. Talk with your doctor, nurse, or health care provider about your risks and developing a heart-health plan. | | | |
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