National Blood Pressure Month - National Blood Pressure Month helps us cope with a disease affecting 1 in 3 Americans. Here are 5 helpful things to know about blood pressure.

National Blood Pressure Month 2024 – May 2024

Know your numbers. High blood pressure affects one in three Americans — and it’s the third leading cause of death in the U.S. This May, celebrate National Blood Pressure Month by raising your awareness with the power of information. Then, use that knowledge to fight unseen, potential risks.Due to a tendency to show either minor, or even no symptoms at all, high blood pressure has earned the nickname “the silent killer.” Knowledge of one’s high blood pressure — and then taking action — greatly reduces the possible risks of related health problems.

National Blood Pressure Month timeline

2010
Blood Pressure measurement gets all fancy

French company Withings releases the Smart Blood Pressure Monitor, which can be plugged directly into an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. The measurements are automatically uploaded and synched with the user’s account — making them available to share anytime, anywhere.

1901
Blood pressure measurement heads West

By bringing Italian physician Scipione Riva-Rocci’s sphygmomanometer to the United States, Harvey Williams Cushing introduces blood pressure measurement to North America and helps spread its use in the Western world.

1817
A key blood pressure tool is invented

The stethoscope is invented by French doctor René Laennec. This listening device enables the user to tell the difference between the systole and diastole pressures.

1733
Blood pressure is officially measured

The first measurement of what was then called “the force of blood” is described by Stephan Hales in his book “Haema Staticks." He uses a water manometer to measure the blood pressure in the arteries of various animals.

1628
Blood circulation study is published

English physician William Harvey publishes the first study on blood circulation. He comes to the conclusion that the heart acts as a pump.

How to Observe National Blood Pressure Month

  1. Check your blood pressure

    Around 120 over 80 is considered the range for normal blood pressure. Any higher that that means you should try to lower it through some simple lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.

  2. Get moving

    One of the best ways to maintain healthy blood pressure is through exercise. A walk, bike ride, swim, jog, or any other aerobic activity will help keep your blood pressure low, and your body healthy.

  3. Adjust your diet

    Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products — while avoiding sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol can lower your blood pressure significantly. National Blood Pressure Month is a good time to practice.

5 Blood Pressure Facts No One Ever Told You About

  1. More salt might actually help you

    We all know that too much salt can elevate your blood pressure, but did you know too little salt can be equally problematic? It's true — if you have congestive heart failure. For those patients, restricting salt to less than 1.8 grams a day can cause blood pressure to soar even higher.

  2. Your blood pressure can vary by arm

    Blood pressure readings can vary from one arm to the other. Today, physicians are advised to take blood pressure in both arms.

  3. Lifting weights is bad for you

    While exercises to lower blood pressure are an important part of heart health, the type of exercise you do is also a factor. The most common cause of high blood pressure with exercise is isometric activity. Straining or excessive weights will cause blood pressure to rise.

  4. Low blood pressure isn’t a problem unless you have symptoms

    Many people have blood pressure readings lower than the normal 120 over 80. The only time a low blood pressure reading is a concern is if you’re symptomatic, and experience lightheadedness, dizziness, and fatigue. If this is the case, consult your doctor about necessary lifestyle adjustments.

  5. This mineral is critical for healthy blood pressure

    If your blood pressure is high, it’s important to diet appropriately. One especially helpful mineral is potassium — which helps to relax the arterial walls and keep blood pressure in the healthy range.

Why National Blood Pressure Month is Important

  1. It encourages shedding a few pounds

    Weight loss is one of the most effective lifestyle changes you can make to control high blood pressure. Losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce your numbers significantly.

  2. It promotes activity

    Regular physical activity and exercise can greatly lower your blood pressure. Simply walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or dancing for only 30 minutes most days of the week can help keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.

  3. It advocates moderation

    Alcohol can greatly affect your blood pressure, and drinking in moderation is important. Generally, that means one drink a day for women, and two a day for men. Keep this mind during National Blood Pressure Month.

National Blood Pressure Month dates

Year Date Day
2023 May 1 Monday
2024 May 1 Wednesday
2025 May 1 Thursday
2026 May 1 Friday
2027 May 1 Saturday
National Chocolate Parfait Day
Silver Star Service Banner Day
National Loyalty Day
May Day
National Mother Goose Day
School Principals' Day
National Skilled Trades Day
National Infertility Survival Day
New Home Owners Day
Global Love Day
Save The Rhino Day
International Doodle Dog Day
Executive Coaching Day
Beltane
Worthy Wage Day
Frequent Flyer Day
National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day
National Purebred Dog Day
Couple Appreciation Day
Marshall Islands Constitution Day
National Rotate Your Beer Day
Project Aces Day
National Black Barber Shop Appreciation Day
National Mantra Day
National Blessing Day
Philippines Labor Day
Phone in Sick Day
Learn to Ride a Bike Day
National Interpreter Appreciation Day
Great American Grump Out
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 Day
Therapeutic Massage Awareness Day
Labour and Agriculture Day
International Sunflower Guerilla Gardening Day
Lei Day
CSS Reboot Day
Calan Mai
Gianna Bryant's Birthday
Charli D'Amelio's Birthday
Katya Petrovna Zamolodchikova's Birthday
Paeka's Birthday
Hurricane Preparedness Week
National Physical Education and Sport Week
National Teen Self Esteem Month
Arthritis Awareness Month
Celiac Disease Awareness Month
Food Allergy Action Month
Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month
National Barbecue Month
National Blood Pressure Month
National Egg Month
National Hamburger Month
National Lyme Disease Awareness Month
National Salad Month
Brain Cancer Awareness Month
Gifts From The Garden Month
International Civility Awareness Month
Date Your Mate Month
Creative Beginnings Month
National Strawberry Month
Get Caught Reading Month
National Inventors Month
National Mediterranean Diet Month
National Salsa Month
ALS Awareness Month
Better Speech and Hearing Month
Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month
Correct Posture Month
Global Employee Health and Fitness Month
Healthy Vision Month
Hepatitis Awareness Month
Lupus Awareness Month
National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
National Foster Care Month
National Pet Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
Tuberous Sclerosis Awareness Month
Responsible Animal Guardian Month
National Physiotherapy Month
Haitian Heritage Month
International Internal Audit Awareness Month
Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
American Wetlands Month
EDS Awareness Month
Huntington's Disease Awareness Month
Gardening for Wildlife Month
Maternal Mental Health Month
Women's Health Care Month
National Stroke Awareness Month
National Asparagus Month
National Vinegar Month
MCS Awareness Month
National Meditation Month
Local and Community History Month
Speech and Hearing Awareness Month
National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month
National Youth Traffic Safety Month
Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month
Labor History Month
National Recommitment Month
National Walking Month
Latino Books Month
International Victorious Woman Month
Indian Heritage Month
Military Appreciation Month
Building Safety Month
National Heritage Month
Revise Your Work Schedule Month
Syringomyelia Awareness Month
National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month
Fungal Infection Awareness Month
Neurofibromatosis Month
National Preservation Month
Bealtaine Festival
Make May Purple /Action On Stroke Month
International Business Image Improvement Month
Lettuce Month
Heal the Children Month
National Share a Story Month
Pet Sitter Safety Month
Homeschool Awareness Month
Zombie Awareness Month
Clean Air Month
National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
Personal History Awareness Month
Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month
Ultraviolet Awareness Month
International Drum Month
Deck Safety Month
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
Family Wellness Month
Tennis Month
May Measurement Month
Global Youth Traffic Safety Month
National Sight Saving Month
Electromagnetic Radiation Awareness Month
National Show Your Smile Month
National Smile Month
Small Business Month
Lung Health Awareness Month
Chip Your Pet Month
National Duckling Month
Teen CEO Month
Be Kind to Animals Month
Leaders of Tomorrow Month
National Digestive Diseases Awareness Month
Prepare Tomorrow's Parents Month
Older Americans Month
Awareness of Medical Orphans Month
National Tuberous Sclerosis Awareness Month
National San Architect Month
National Prom Graduation Safety Month
REACT Month
Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Month
National Service Dog Eye Examination Month
National Toxic Encephalopathy and Chemical Injury Awareness Month
Steelmark Month
National Community Action Month
Tourette's Syndrome Awareness Month
National Chocolate Custard Month
Strike Out Strokes Month
International Respect for Chickens Month
National Anxiety Month
American Cheese Month
National Photo Month
National Moving Month
Better Sleep Month
National Comfort Month
National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
Jewish American Heritage Month
National Bicycle Safety Month