Title: 8 Conditions With Higher Risk for African Americans
Headings: 8 Conditions With Higher Risk for African Americans
8 Conditions With Higher Risk for African Americans
About The Author
Sarah Lewis, PharmD

Content: And for Black women, the numbers are worse—they are 60% more likely to have high blood pressure. Research exploring high blood pressure in African Americans suggests a gene may make them more salt sensitive. And doctors know certain classes of high blood pressure medicines are better first-line choices for this group. So, check your blood pressure regularly and talk with your doctor about your risks. 3
Obesity
In the United States, African Americans have the highest rate of being overweight or obese. Among Black adults, 63% of men and 77% of women are either overweight or obese. This extra weight contributes to the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. And all of these conditions increase the likelihood of heart disease. Diet and exercise are the main way to fight obesity and being overweight. Unfortunately, Black Americans are 20% less likely to be physically active compared to whites.