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Black/African Americans Face Greater Risk and Higher Rates of High Blood Pressure
Written by Melissa Bean Sterzick
A concerning 55% of Black/African American adults in the United States have high blood pressure. The American Heart Association also reports that Black/African Americans people also experience higher rates of severe high blood pressure (HBP) and they develop high blood pressure earlier in their lives.
Historical and systemic factors are a major part of these statistics, including decreased access to healthy foods, medical care, medication, and a distrust of the health care industry.
Dr. W. Alexander Ellis, a board-certified Family Medicine Physician and member of the Torrance Memorial Physician Network, says many African Americans and other minorities do not feel they are heard – and that feeling often extends to their doctor’s offices.
Increased rates of diabetes, obesity, and chronic stress also contribute to higher risks of HBP for Black/African America people. In addition, Black/African Americans are more sensitive to salt than other groups, meaning their blood pressure is more affected by foods with heavy sodium levels. Blood pressure medications affect them differently, as well, and they may need more monitoring when they start new prescriptions.
However, putting off or avoiding medical treatment has serious long-term effects. Finding a doctor who meets their needs is an important first step. Dr. Ellis also recommends patients prepare for visits ahead of time, and stick to the main concerns while they’re there.
“It is a good idea to have a concise list going in. I recommend telling your doctor, ‘I’ve got four things I want to talk about,’” he says. “That gives the doctor a chance to get focused on the most important issues right off the bat and organize the visit.”
Preventing high blood pressure is largely about lifestyle. The American Heart Association recommends not smoking, limiting alcohol, reducing sodium, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. Annual physicals and blood work are also essential.
“No one wants to go to the doctor unless they have to, but regular doctor visits help. We really do want to see the patient at least once a year,” Dr. Ellis says. “If you haven’t had a checkup for years because you don’t like going to doctors, that’s dangerous for you. There are so many things we can catch early on before it’s serious.”
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Not talking about it – or any other health issue – just increases the risk of more dangerous problems. When uncontrolled, HBP damages the heart, kidneys, brain, eyes and other organs, and can cause heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
“When you’re talking to your doctor, you should always lead with the thing you are most worried about – if you’re worried something is wrong, it’s not going to get worse by telling the doctor. It just allows them to address it,” Dr. Ellis says.
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