African Americans have the highest hypertension (high blood pressure) rates of any adults in the United States. That’s significant because hypertension puts people at an increased risk for many other serious health conditions, including heart attack, stroke, kidney problems and heart disease.
Dr. Abiodun Ishola, a cardiologist specializing in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology at the Florence Wormald Heart and Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth, offers details into high blood pressure among African Americans.
Prevalence of Hypertension in African Americans
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 56% of Black adults have hypertension (high blood pressure). For comparison, 48% of non-Hispanic white adults, 46% of non-Hispanic Asian adults and 39% of Hispanic adults, respectively, have hypertension.
What’s more, African American women are 50% more likely to have hypertension than non-Hispanic white women. Learn more about the risk of heart disease in African American.
Why are African Americans more prone to high blood pressure?
Dr. Ishola explains that there may be specific factors contributing to the higher rates of hypertension in African Americans, including limited access to healthier food options, chronic stress and sedentary lifestyles. Learn more about risk factors for heart disease and blood pressure in African Americans.
Living with High Blood Pressure
Because hypertension has little to no noticeable symptoms, early detection is crucial. Keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range can be as simple as having a plan – and sticking to it. Making healthy lifestyle choices can have a powerful effect on your overall well-being and quality of life. This includes:
- Maintaining a moderate weight
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Increasing physical activity
- Getting 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night
- Decreasing stress
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Being mindful of your sodium (salt) intake
- Quit smoking
- Regular check-ups with primary care provider to help monitor your blood pressure readings
How Genetics Affect Blood Pressure
Your genes play a role in high blood pressure, heart disease and other heart-related conditions. However, the CDC explains that lifestyle and environmental factors likely play a larger role. That’s why it’s important to follow the tips above to reduce your risk for hypertension.
Get the Care You Need
Take charge of your health and learn what you can do to reduce your risk for heart disease. Start by speaking with your St. Elizabeth Physicians primary care provider.
