February marks the celebration of Black History Month and American Heart Month. The intersection of these two observances provides an opportunity to address the epidemic of high blood pressure in Black communities.
High blood pressure contributes to heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the Black community. 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 they develop high blood pressure earlier in life.
Addressing high blood pressure would translate to significantly less deaths in the Black community.
“People think that if we were able to take care of high blood pressure in African-Americans completely, we could reduce the African-American death rate by 30%,” says John Brush, M.D. and Sentara chief research officer.
Why is there a higher rate of high blood pressure among Black people?
Determinants of health are the conditions in which a person is born and lives. Multiple determinants contribute to high blood pressure in the Black community:
- Healthcare disparities: Unequal access to healthcare services, including regular check-ups and management of chronic conditions, play an essential and often overlooked role in the health of the Black population.
- Environmental factors: Black people may be exposed to environmental stressors and challenging neighborhood environments, which can impact health. Air pollution, limited access to green spaces and other unhealthy living conditions may also contribute to high blood pressure.
- Lifestyle factors: Limited access to healthy food options and opportunities for physical activity can be a symptom of disparity in some communities. Food choices, physical activity and stress levels all contribute to regulating blood pressure.
- Genetic factors: Researchers believe the genetic makeup of people of African descent plays a role in their rates of high blood pressure. For example, certain medications may be less effective in controlling high blood pressure for some Black people. They may also be more sensitive to salt, increasing the risk of high blood pressure.
“To address these disparities, Sentara is committed to improving healthcare access, promoting healthy lifestyles and addressing socioeconomic inequalities and inequities through community-based programs and partnerships,” says Francine Pearce, M.D. and medical director of health equity at Sentara.
High blood pressure risk factors
Risk factors for high blood pressure in the Black community are complex and include:
- Older age
- Excessive weight
- Diabetes
- Inactivity
- Too much salt and fat in the diet
- Not enough potassium in the diet
- Smoking
- Family history of high blood pressure
Are you at risk? Where to start
“High blood pressure is known as the ‘silent killer’ because most people who have it do not know,” says Dr. Pearce. “But high blood pressure is also something we can improve before it becomes an emergency.”
Though the statistics may sound scary, there are plenty of ways you can improve your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease.
“The first step is to make an appointment with your healthcare provider where they’ll check your blood pressure,” says Dr. Pearce. “It sounds easy, but people sometimes have trouble prioritizing their health.”
Your doctor will examine other indicators besides high blood pressure, such as weight, cholesterol, blood glucose, and conditions such as diabetes, which are also risk factors for heart disease. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your healthcare provider will create a plan to lower it.
Lower your blood pressure
You can take some key steps to lowering blood pressure. Your healthcare provider can help you prioritize these critical steps for your unique health needs.
Here are some tips for getting started:
- Healthy diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Limit intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol and sodium.
- Regular exercise: Engage in regular physical activity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is essential for heart health. If necessary, your doctor can help you identify goals to start a weight loss journey.
- Manage stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or activities that promote relaxation, such as reading or visiting with friends.
- Quit smoking: If applicable, quit smoking. Smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease.
- Limit alcohol consumption: If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. Excessive alcohol intake can contribute to heart issues.
- Regular check-ups: Your primary care provider will need to continue monitoring your blood pressure regularly. Your provider will also continue monitoring other factors such as your weight, cholesterol levels, glucose levels and family health history. All of these contribute to your overall heart health.
- Community support: Surround yourself with friends and family who encourage you to care about your well-being. Share health goals with friends and family. Consider joining community programs or support groups.
Sentara Mobile Care can help if access is an issue
Sentara Mobile Care delivers care directly to our communities to better support individuals struggling with traditional healthcare barriers: transportation and time constraints. The care provided includes full-service primary care. Check the Sentara Mobile Care schedule to see when care is available in your community.
Heart services at Sentara
Sentara offers one of the leading cardiology programs in our communities. Learn more about preventing heart disease and finding a cardiology specialist in your area.