At least 33% of people in Philadelphia – more in West and Southwest Philadelphia – suffer from high blood pressure. But many of them don't know it – that's why the condition, also known as hypertension, is known as "the silent killer." Across the nation, it has a disproportionate toll on communities of color: By age 55, research shows 3 of 4 Black adults have already developed the condition, compared to about 47.
5% of white adults. Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to a range of disabling and potentially fatal chronic illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, dementia and kidney disease. Today, Penn Medicine and the Greater Philadelphia American Heart Association (AHA) are launching a collaborative effort aimed at reversing the trend, by removing barriers to accurate blood pressure measurement and helping people get earlier diagnosis and treatment in partnership with a healthcare provider.
Through the new three-year initiative, nine community-based organizations and three healthcare practices will work alongside Penn Medicine and the AHA to implement evidence-based protocols; examples include community-based blood pressure screen and refer initiatives, clinic-based self-measured blood pressure initiatives to diagnose and manage hypertension, and an annual training for healthcare organizations to assess and build knowledge on how to take an accurate blood pressure reading; all community and clinical based protocols proven to improve blood pressure control. T.
