High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Nearly 19% of women in their 20s and 30s have high blood pressure. You don't have to be one of them. Get your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

High blood pressure can go undetected for a long time while it's damaging your body. Put yourself first. Pay attention to possible warning signs. Possible warning signs for high blood pressure: Tiredness, loss of energy, sleep disturbances. Hot flashes and sweating. Fluid retention. Headaches. Blurred vision. Chest pain--some women report their bra feels too tight. Get your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

Being heart healthy is easier - together! #ourhearts

Practice self-care for your heart and control your blood pressure before, during, and after pregnancy.

The “Heart-Healthy Pregnancy Registry” spotlights items including a blood pressure monitor, notebook, scale, sneakers, and yoga mat along with a message about how they can help you manage your blood pressure.

Preeclampsia is high blood pressure during pregnancy and signs your organ are not working well. It develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Sometimes there are no signs of it, but watch for sudden weight gain over 1-2 days or swelling in your hands or face.

Having preeclampsia increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke later in life. Talk to your healthcare provider about your blood pressure.

Watch for warning signs of a heart problem, including high blood pressure, during and after pregnancy. Signs include: worsening headache, overwhelming tiredness, dizziness, trouble breathing, chest or belly pain, swelling, nausea.

If you feel like something is wrong, get medical care right away.

Black women have the highest percentage of high blood pressure, compared to other groups. Nearly 58% of Black women over age 20 have high blood pressure. Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

About 35% of Hispanic/Latina women have high blood pressure. Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

La Heart Truth para las mujeres. Alrededor de 35% de las mujeres hispanas/latinas tienen presion arterial alta. Hagase medir su presion arterial al menos una vez al ano.

Among women ages 20-39 years, 19 percent have high blood pressure. It's never too early to start thinking about your blood pressure. Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

The Heart Truth for Women
High blood pressure happens in 1 in every 12 to 17 pregnancies in the U.S.

Talk to your healthcare provider about high blood pressure and your heart health.

The Heart Truth for Women
High blood pressure happens in 1 in every 12 to 17 pregnancies in the U.S.

Talk to your healthcare provider about high blood pressure and your heart health.

Before: Avoid exercising, drinking caffeine, or smoking for 30 minutes prior. Go to the bathroom. Uncover your arm for the cuff. Sit and relax for at least 5 minutes.

During: Put your feet flat on the floor. Don't talk. Rest your arm on a table so it's supported and at the level of your heart.

Blood pressure higher than 130/80 mmHg can cause serious health problems: Heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, dementia
Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

Age: blood pressure tends to get higher as we get older. But it can affect many of us when we're younger too.

Lifestyle habits: eating too much salt, drinking too much alcohol, being obese, smoking, and not getting enough exercise can raise our blood pressure.

Race or ethnicity: While anyone can have high blood pressure, African Americans tend to get it at a younger age. Among Hispanic adults, people of Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Dominican backgrounds are at higher risk.

Genes: High blood pressure often runs in families.

Sex: Before age 60, more men than women have high blood pressure. After age 60, more women than men have it.

1) Set Targets: Work with your doctor to set blood pressure numbers that are healthy for you.

2) Take Control: Make lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, staying active, and watching your weight.

3) Work Together: Studies show that if you engage in heart healthy activities with others, you have a better chance of staying motivated.

Why should I change? Stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other heart risks. If it goes on for a long time, it can make your body store more fat. How can I change? Practice mindful meditation for 10 minutes a day. Share a funny video, joke, or inspirational quote with a friend. Talk with your doctor if you have trouble managing stress on your own.

What should I change? A diet low in sodium and saturated fat - like the DASH eating plan - can lower your blood pressure as effectively as medicines. How can I change? Add one fruit of vegetable to every meal. If you get fast food, ask for a salad instead of fries. Give meatless Monday a try. Commit to one salt-free day a week. Use herbs for flavor instead.