High Blood Pressure More Common Among African-American Men

Regular blood pressure checks can make the difference between life and death for men, especially African-American men. "In men ages 35 to 44, high blood pressure is two times more prevalent in African-Americans than whites," says Dr. Charlene Dewey, an assistant professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. "African-Americans are 15 times more likely to die from high blood pressure than white men."

Dr. Dewey recommends that healthy African-American men over age 18 have their blood pressure checked at least once every two years. Risk factors for high blood pressure include obesity, high salt and alcohol consumption, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, stroke, and kidney or heart failure.

- From Baylor College of Medicine

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Courtesy of Texas Medical Center News

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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