The Fairfax County Health Department wants McLean and Great Falls residents to know their blood pressure numbers.

The department launched "Know Your Numbers, Own Your Future" on Wednesday, Sept. 9, a year-long campaign targeting a condition often called the "silent killer." According to the department's campaign page, 47% of U.S. adults have high blood pressure. Only about one in five have it under control.

Just 59% of adults with high blood pressure know they have it, the department said. Awareness is especially low among younger and middle-aged adults.

The condition typically causes no symptoms but raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, dementia and vision loss. Routine blood pressure checks are recommended for adults 18 and older.

The department, led by Director of Health Gloria Addo-Ayensu, said the campaign focuses on three steps: understanding the risks, learning how to check blood pressure and read the numbers, and taking action when readings are too high.

No local screening events for McLean or Great Falls have been posted yet. The department plans to update a dedicated resources page throughout the year with screening programs, community events and lifestyle guidance.