May is National Stroke Awareness and High Blood Pressure Education Month

May is both High Blood Pressure Education Month and National Stroke Awareness Month. High blood pressure affects 40.7% of Tennessee adults and is a major risk factor for stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure. Tennessee is among the top ten states for stroke-related deaths. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure damages blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, kidney damage, and strokes by affecting vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and brain.