Being of African-American descent is a risk factor for hypertension, and the condition is more common in African Americans than in whites. Statistics on African Americans and hypertension indicate that it begins at an earlier age and is usually more severe than in other groups. Although there is a strong link between African Americans and hypertension, lifestyle changes and medication can help control high blood pressure.
African Americans and Hypertension: An Introduction
Hypertension (also known as
high blood pressure) is common in the United States. Nearly 1 in 3 American adults (about 65 million people) have hypertension. Unfortunately, African Americans and hypertension are strongly linked. Hypertension in African Americans is quite common. In fact, hypertension in African Americans is more common than in whites. It also begins at an earlier age and is usually more severe.
African Americans have a higher death rate from
stroke and kidney disease as a result of hypertension. Statistics on African Americans and hypertension show that approximately 37 percent of African-American women have high
blood pressure.
African Americans and Hypertension: Treatment Options
- Eating foods with less salt and sodium
- Increasing physical activity (walking 30 minutes per day can help)
- Drinking alcoholic beverages in moderation
- Losing weight if overweight (losing 10 pounds can help)
- Following a healthy eating plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods (see DASH Diet).
Studies show that African Americans commonly have a relatively low intake of potassium and a high occurrence of elevated blood pressure and salt sensitivity. African Americans with hypertension may benefit from an increased dietary intake of potassium.
(Click Potassium and High Blood Pressure to learn more about the effect of potassium on hypertension.)
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