High Blood Pressure Among Black People New campaign highlights the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure “Love your heart. Lower the Pressure.”
- Marla Beaver
- 54 minutes ago
- 5 min read
High Blood Pressure Among Black People
About 55% of Black adults in the United States have high blood pressure.
High blood pressure can be caused by obesity and diabetes.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to other serious conditions.
The rate of high blood pressure among Black people in the United States is among the highest in the world.
About 55% of Black adults have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Black people also have higher rates of more severe high blood pressure than other ethnic groups and it develops earlier in life.
Historical and systemic factors play a major role in these numbers. These factors include adverse social determinants of health, the conditions in which a person is born and lives. The factors include lack of access to health care and healthy foods and other issues.
There is a lower rate of taking blood pressure medications among Black people, partly due to lack of access to those medications and a distrust of the health care community based on historical discrimination.
Some medications also may be less effective in controlling high blood pressure in some Black people. They may need two or more medications to achieve their blood pressure goal.
Causes and effects of high blood pressure
Black people face higher rates of obesity and diabetes. Higher rates of these conditions increase the risk for high blood pressure and heart disease.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to other conditions and even death. It is a major risk factor for stroke, heart failure and kidney disease.
Overcoming the challenges of blood pressure management
A healthy weight, diet and physical activity can help to lower blood pressure. However many people may struggle with these issues if they are living in an under-resourced community.
For example, many neighborhoods lack stores that sell healthier foods. If buying affordable, nutritious food in your neighborhood is challenging, consider:
Canned, dried or frozen fruits and vegetables
Low-sodium, reduced-sodium or no-salt-added canned vegetables
Frozen vegetables that aren't seasoned or in sauces
Canned fruit in water, with its own juice, or light syrup
Canned or dried fruit with no added sugars
Powdered milk
Areas that have lacked investment often don’t have safe places to walk, run or exercise. You don’t have to join a gym or buy your own equipment to fit in physical activity. These low- or no-cost resources can offer access to safe places to exercise:
YMCA
Community centers or senior centers
Parks and recreation departments
Faith-based groups
You need access to social support, safe environments and affordable, high-quality medical care and medication to manage blood pressure.
If you need help accessing care or finding transportation for medical appointments, ask your health care team for support with finding resources.
If you're having trouble paying for your medication, there are a few things you can do to get help.
Ask if there is a medication that costs less.
Check if the company that makes your medication offers assistance programs. Many drug companies have programs that provide medications if you are facing financial difficulties or are uninsured.
Look into government programs such as Medicaid or Medicare. They can help cover the cost of medications for eligible people.
Learn more:
LOS ANGELES, – Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, according to the American Heart Association. Of those, about 75% don’t have it under control and many don’t know they have it.
To raise greater awareness and reduce untreated high blood pressure, the American Heart Association, with support from Providence, is launching the “Love Your Heart. Lower the Pressure.” campaign as part of this year’s American Heart Month celebration. The goal is to encourage people to know their numbers and work with their health care team to keep their blood pressure in check and reduce their risk of serious health issues, including heart disease and stroke.
The yearlong campaign, which features the stories of real people living with high blood pressure, especially aims to reach Black and Hispanic/Latino people.
About 55% of Black adults have high blood pressure. Black people have higher rates of more severe high blood pressure than other ethnic groups and it develops earlier in life. This is largely due to historical and systemic factors, including adverse social determinants of health, defined as the conditions in which a person is born and lives, and lack of access to health care, healthy food and other resources that support health.
In the Hispanic/Latino community, 45% of adult men and 27% of adult women have hypertension. A study shows Hispanic/Latino people have lower hypertension control rates due to systemic barriers, including access to quality and affordable healthcare and resources for monitoring and treating their hypertension outside of clinical setting.
Among the people who shared their story for the campaign is Monique Shields, who developed preeclampsia while pregnant with her first child. Preeclampsia is the most dangerous form of high blood pressure during pregnancy. Shields delivered her firstborn safely, but her blood pressure remained high. Shields knew she had to take action, because hypertension and heart disease run in her family. Now, the wife, mother and entrepreneur from Tacoma, Washington, makes time for daily walks, which have become her favorite form of physical activity. She checks her blood pressure regularly and takes her medication consistently. “If there’s one thing I learned, it’s never too late to turn things around,” she said.
"At Providence, we are deeply committed to advancing health equity and addressing the critical health disparities that impact our communities. By supporting the American Heart Association with this hypertension awareness campaign, we aim to equip communities with the knowledge and resources they need to take control of their heart health. This initiative is not just about raising awareness—it's about creating tangible change and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the care and support necessary to lead a healthy life,” said Whitney Haggerson, Vice President of Health Equity and Medicaid, Providence.
Most people who have high blood pressure have no obvious symptoms. For people 20 years or older who have normal blood pressure, the American Heart Association recommends getting a blood pressure check once a year.
“Hypertension is a silent killer. Getting your numbers measured is the only way to know if you have it,” said Kathy Rogers, executive vice president, American Heart Association Western States. “If your blood pressure is high, it is important to work with your health care team on a plan to get it under control.”
According to the American Heart Association, reducing chronic stress, moving more and choosing nourishing food are important steps to prevent and manage high blood pressure. Keeping a healthy weight and reducing or eliminating alcohol and tobacco use are also key.
“The good news is by keeping your blood pressure under control, you can prevent serious health issues like heart attack, stroke and kidney disease, and enjoy a full, healthy life,” said Rogers.
To learn more about high blood pressure and how to prevent and manage it, visit heart.org/bp.
The Love your heart. Lower the pressure. campaign is part of the American Heart Association’s Live Fierce. Reduce your risk. initiative supported by Providence.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Instagram, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/know-your-risk-factors-for-high-blood-pressure/high-blood-pressure-among-black-people
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/hispanic-health.htm#:~:text=Percent%20of%20men%20age%2020%20and%20older%20with%20hypertension%20(measured,%25%20(2017%2DMarch%202020)
