Did you know: high blood pressure is one of the most common—and most preventable—threats to our health? High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is often called the "silent killer" because it usually has no warning signs or symptoms, but puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels.

Do you know: high blood pressure can raise the risk of serious problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, dementia, and vision loss?

And do you know: the good news is that high blood pressure can be controlled with medication, healthier eating, regular physical activity, and other healthy habits?

Then you should know: that before you can take steps to control high blood pressure, you have to know your numbers.

• Nearly half of adults in the United States (47%) have high blood pressure
• Yet only about 1 in 5 have it under control
• Even more concerning, many people who have high blood pressure don't know they have it.
• Just 59% of adults living with the condition are aware of it, and
• Awareness is especially low among younger and middle-aged adults. 

Because high blood pressure usually doesn't cause noticeable symptoms, you can't rely on how you feel to know whether your blood pressure is too high. The only way to know is to have it measured. That's why routine blood pressure checks are recommended for adults age 18 and older and why knowing your numbers can be one of the simplest, most important steps you can take for your health.

To help address the growing number of adults living with uncontrolled high blood pressure, the Fairfax County Health Department is launching Know Your Numbers, Own Your Future, a year-long public health campaign focused on a simple but important step: knowing your blood pressure numbers.

The campaign will give Fairfax County residents practical information they can use to better understand their blood pressure and make informed decisions about their health. The campaign will focus on three key actions: 

1. understanding the risks of high blood pressure,
2. learning how to check blood pressure correctly and what the numbers mean, and
3. taking action when blood pressure is too high.

For people who have high blood pressure, knowing the numbers is only the beginning. The campaign will encourage residents to talk with their health care provider about their readings and learn what they can do to manage their blood pressure. Taking prescribed medication, eating a healthier diet, getting regular physical activity, and making other healthy lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious health problems.

Residents can find additional information and resources on the Health Department website that will provide information about blood pressure screening, treatment, lifestyle changes, and ongoing blood pressure management. The site will also feature local programs, community resources, tools, and events and will be updated throughout the year.

Everyone can play a role in spreading the word. Share campaign information with family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and community groups. Encourage the people in your life to check their blood pressure and know their numbers. For those with high blood pressure, encourage them to follow up with a health care provider and take steps to manage it.

The goal is straightforward: to make sure people across the Fairfax Health District have the information, resources, and support they need to know their blood pressure numbers and take action to protect their health.