Title: High Blood Pressure in African-Americans: Genetics, Risks, Causes, and More
Headings: High Blood Pressure in African-Americans
Menu
High Blood Pressure in African-Americans
Why Is High Blood Pressure Common in African-Americans?
High Blood Pressure Risk Factors for African-Americans
Hypertension / High Blood Pressure Guide

Content: High rates of high blood pressure in African-Americans may be due to the genetic make-up of people of African descent. Researchers have uncovered some facts: In the U.S, blacks respond differently to high blood pressure drugs than do other groups of people. Blacks in the U.S. also seem to be more sensitive to salt, which increases the risk of developing high blood pressure. Environmental factors. Some scientists believe that high blood pressure in African-Americans is due to factors unique to the experience of blacks in the U.S. Blacks worldwide have rates of high blood pressure that are similar to whites. In the U.S., however, the difference is dramatic: 41% of blacks have high blood pressure, as compared to 27% of whites. In addition, black people in the U.S are more likely to be overweight than blacks in other countries. Some experts think that social and economic factors -- including discrimination and economic inequality -- are responsible for this difference.