When most people think about brain health, they think about memory, focus, and aging. But one of the biggest factors affecting brain health is often overlooked: blood pressure.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects millions of Americans and often causes no noticeable symptoms. Over time, uncontrolled hypertension can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those that supply the brain, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia.
"Protecting your brain health starts with controlling hypertension," said Dr. Scott Flinn, regional medical director for Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. "High blood pressure often causes damage long before symptoms appear, yet it's one of the most treatable risk factors for stroke and dementia.”
Last month, Dr. Flinn joined the Healthy Brain LA Impact Summit for a panel discussion on "Heart Health is Brain Health: Connecting Hypertension Prevention and Dementia Risk Reduction," highlighting the connection between cardiovascular and cognitive health and the importance of prevention.
That connection is significant in Los Angeles County, where approximately 1.7 million adults have hypertension. Fewer than half have their condition under control, and rates are especially high among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native communities, which continue to face barriers to care.
At the same time, an estimated 190,300 Los Angeles County residents age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. That number is expected to more than double by 2040, reaching nearly 450,000 people.
While dementia is often associated with older adults, many risk factors for cognitive decline begin decades earlier. Taking steps to manage blood pressure in midlife can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline later on.
7 blood pressure tips from Dr. Flinn
Dr. Flinn recommends these everyday habits to help keep blood pressure at a healthy level:
- Check your blood pressure regularly and know your numbers
- Take medications as prescribed
- Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight
- Manage stress through healthy coping strategies and regular exercise
- Limit alcohol and avoid vaping or smoking
- Partner with your healthcare provider and keep up with regular checkups
How Blue Shield Promise supports members
Blue Shield Promise helps members prevent and manage hypertension through education and support by:
- Reaching out to members who are overdue for blood pressure screenings and helping them schedule appointments
- Offering blood pressure screenings, one-on-one support, and evidence-based hypertension education classes at L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Centers throughout Los Angeles County and community-based organizations throughout San Diego County; virtual support and classes are also available
- Providing home blood pressure monitors to eligible members
- Supporting referrals to Community Supports for up to 12 weeks of medically tailored meals and nutritional support for eligible Medi-Cal members
- Referring members to community resources, including food banks, food assistance programs, and Women, Infants & Children (WIC) benefits
- Conducting outreach to populations disproportionately affected by hypertension
- Coordinating care for high-risk members through personalized care management and connection to community resources
“We're helping members take action earlier, because treating hypertension today can prevent serious health issues tomorrow,” Dr. Flinn said. “Managing your blood pressure doesn’t have to be complicated. Regular screenings, taking medications as prescribed, eating well, staying active, managing stress, and working closely with your healthcare provider can all help keep it under control.”
As research continues to highlight the connection between heart health and brain health, the takeaway is clear: protecting your brain starts with controlling your blood pressure.
“Hypertension is a silent killer and one of the most significant risk factors for stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, and dementia,” Dr Flinn said. “Don't wait to treat it.”
Learn more about Blue Shield Promise here.