High Blood Pressure is the Silent Killer

Date: 03/12/24

Baton Rouge, La.

Louisiana Healthcare Connections Urges Louisianans to Get Screened for High Blood Pressure

Louisiana Healthcare Connections, a Medicaid health plan serving the Louisiana Department of Health and a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), emphasizes the importance of regular blood pressure screenings as part of its commitment to improving health outcomes across the state. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting Louisiana as one of the states with the highest prevalence of hypertension in the United States, the need for community awareness and proactive health management has never been more critical.

"We cannot overstate the importance of getting screened for high blood pressure," noted Louisiana Healthcare Connections Chief Medical Officer, Stewart T. Gordon, M.D., FAAP. "Early detection and management of hypertension can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health complications."

2022 Data reported by the Louisiana Department of Health from America’s Health Rankings note the percentage of adults diagnosed as having high blood pressure is around 40 percent, 8 percent higher than the rest of the nation.

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is too high, often leading to significant health risks such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Unfortunately, hypertension can develop without any symptoms, earning it the nickname "the silent killer." Regular screenings can detect high blood pressure early, allowing individuals to manage their condition through lifestyle changes and medication when necessary.

Louisiana's ranking highlights an urgent public health concern. The state's high rate of hypertension underscores the vital need for residents to prioritize their cardiovascular health. Louisiana Healthcare Connections is dedicated to addressing this issue head-on recommending screenings through healthcare providers, hosting screening events, and even sponsoring heart-healthy recipes through the LSU Ag Center.

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About Louisiana Healthcare Connections

A Medicaid health plan serving the Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana Healthcare Connections was launched in 2012 to provide the best benefits and programs possible to improve the overall health of the families and communities we serve. We are a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, focused on identifying and removing institutional barriers to good health with sustainable solutions that reduce health disparities and create health equity. Through a family of engaged employees, dedicated providers and diverse community partners, we deliver care for the health of all with Medicaid Made Personal.