February is Black History Month and National Heart Month. The connection between the two cannot be ignored. This is because Black Americans disproportionately experience heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

When it comes to your heart health, knowing your risk factors is the first step. One of the most important numbers to monitor is blood pressure. High blood pressure is a silent problem because often people feel no symptoms when their blood pressure is elevated. High blood pressure, however, puts unnecessary strain on your heart and can cause damage.

Learn more:

Heart Month: Start Making Cardiovascular Health a Priority
https://stanfordhealthcare.org/heartmonth

Eldrin Lewis, MD, MPH
Cardiologist, Heart Failure Specialist
Chief, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine
https://stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/l/eldrin-lewis.html

Cardiovascular Health
https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-clinics/cardiovascular-health.html

Heart Failure, Cardiac Transplant, and Mechanical Circulatory Support
https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-clinics/heart-failure-program.html