African Americans have the highest rates of hypertension, or high blood pressure, than any other ethnicity in the world. Approximately one in three African Americans have high blood pressure, and high blood pressure accounts for 20% of black deaths in the United States, twice that of white Americans. High blood pressure also tends to develop earlier in life for African Americans, and the results are generally more serious – the death rates for blacks with high blood pressure is greater than that of any other ethnic group or race.
Researchers and doctors are not completely sure how being black affects blood pressure levels. One theory is that they tend to have, as a race, a comparatively high number of risk factors that contribute to high blood pressure. These risk factors include diabetes, which African Americans also have in higher numbers, high stress levels and a statistically lower socioeconomic status, and a higher increase in sodium.
Many studies have shown that a lower socioeconomic status, when coupled with an increased intake in sodium, have a large bearing on the development of high blood pressure. Studies have shown that the hormone aldosterone, which is responsible for sodium retention, is found in higher levels in blacks. Another theory concerning blacks and high blood pressure is has to do with anatomy. African Americans tend to have enlarged left ventricles, which could also contribute to the increase in higher blood pressure.
In addition, more African Americans tend to have a family history of heart disease, higher levels of cholesterol, and a higher propensity for developing diabetes, all of which can contribute to the onslaught of high blood pressure.
What You Can Do
If you’re black and you have or are worried about developing high blood pressure, it’s important to note that while race and genetics do play a part in developing high blood pressure, they don’t guarantee you will get it. By altering your lifestyle a little, you can help combat the risks of developing high blood pressure.
Control your diet. A diet that is high in fat and sodium can lead to high blood pressure. In addition, it can also increase weight, which is also a contributing factor in high blood pressure. Eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, protein, and whole grains and avoiding a diet that consists of a fried foods and sodium will help control blood pressure.
Exercise. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain and obesity, a contributing factor in the onset of high blood pressure. Excess weight causes the heart to constantly work harder than normal to pump blood throughout the body.
Stop smoking. A smoker’s chance of developing heart disease is up to four times greater than that of a nonsmoker. Chemicals in nicotine also reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood, thereby reducing oxygen needed by the heart and increasing blood pressure.
Limit alcohol consumption. A high level of alcohol consumption has been linked to heart disease and high blood pressure.
Manage your stress. Stress factors, such as job issues, family problems, and money woes are common stressors people face on a daily basis. However, too much stress has been linked to a higher blood pressure. In addition, many people turn to unhealthy measures that can lead to heart disease in order to deal with stress. This can include eating for comfort, which leads to weight gain, smoking, or too much drinking, all lifestyle factors that can lead to high blood pressure.
While African Americans have a higher risk of developing and dying from high blood pressure, being black does not necessarily guarantee you will have a high blood pressure. Many risk factors can be controlled through lifestyle changes.