Hypertension is a condition that affects one to three Americans. It’s also known as high blood pressure.HBPIn their lifetime. This condition could be a precursor to stroke and heart disease, which are the most common causes of death in America. Adults should have blood pressure readings of at least 140 for the top number (systolic), 90 for the lower number, or diastolic. Numbers should not exceed 130/80 for people with diabetes or kidney disease.
“Approximately 41 percent of African American males have nearly double the incidence of HBP, compared to their Caucasian counterparts,”Anil Hingorani MD, a vascular surgeon at Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, said the following: “Black Americans are more likely to have diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking issues, and high salt and fat in their diet — all risk factors for developing HBP. In addition, they develop HBP at younger ages than other ethnic groups in the United States and are more likely to have complications associated with HBP, including stroke, kidney disease, blindness, dementia and heart disease.”
Dr. Hingorani pointed out that Black Americans might be more susceptible to stress than other races due to their socioeconomic status, education level, racism, and lack of access to quality healthcare and insurance. This could lead to a higher rate of HBP. “Some Black men do not like the current medical system, taking medications, or meeting regularly and talking with one health professional for consistent HBP measurement,”Dr. Hingorani: “and some don’t seek out preventative care because they don’t feel any symptoms. As a result, they do not control the ups and downs of their blood pressure.”
High blood pressure can affect anyone. Dr. Hingorani suggests that patients see their doctor for regular blood pressure checks. If necessary, they should also take the prescribed medications to lower blood pressure.
The Society for Vascular Surgery has more information about your vascular health. Visit their website at www.VascularWeb.org.
