African-Americans run a higher risk
Experts suspect that genes may play a role in the development of high blood pressure among African-Americans.
In general, nearly 25 percent of adult Americans have high blood pressure. Among African-Americans, however, that figure climbs
to 35 percent and the disease is much more deadly among this group.
Genes are not the only determining factor. What puts you at greater risk is the combination of genetics and an unhealthy lifestyle.
While you cannot change your genes, you can control many of the other factors that contribute to high blood pressure.
More deadly among African-Americans
High blood pressure contributes to many health problems including heart disease, kidney disease and stroke – all conditions
that result in significantly more deaths among African-Americans than in the general population.
Researchers believe that more African-Americans die from hypertension-related diseases because they don’t receive medical
care until the disease has been present for a long time. Over time, high blood pressure damages kidneys and other organs,
contributing to death.
Reviewed for clinical accuracy by Frank S. James, MD.
