Overview:
The National Medical Association (NMA) has issued an advisory regarding high blood pressure awareness, stating that it is more common and serious among African Americans than in other racial and ethnic groups. About 55% of Black adults in the United States have high blood pressure, which tends to start earlier and get worse faster in this group. Risk factors include older age, excessive weight, a family history of high blood pressure, having diabetes, inactivity, too much salt and fat in your diet, not intaking enough potassium, smoking, and socioeconomic factors such as not having enough access to healthcare and health education, earning low incomes, and facing challenges like joblessness and living in places with high poverty rates.
The National Medical Association (NMA), representing the interests of the 50,000 African American physicians in the U.S., has issued the following advisory regarding high blood pressure awareness:
High blood pressure or hypertension is more common and serious among African Americans than in other racial and ethnic groups. About 55% of Black adults in the United States have high blood pressure and it tends to start earlier and get worse faster in this group.
Risk factors may include:
- Older age
- Excessive weight
- A family history of high blood pressure
- Having diabetes
- Inactivity
- Too much salt and fat in your diet
- Not intaking enough potassium
- Smoking
Additionally, socioeconomic risk factors involve not having enough access to health care and health education, earning low incomes and facing challenges like joblessness and living in places with high poverty rates.
Tips for reducing high blood pressure include:
- Reducing sodium intake
- Increasing potassium intake
- Following a heart healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Managing stress effectively
- Getting good sleep
- Eliminating smoking
For more information, visit CDC.gov or speak with your healthcare provider.
The National Medical Association (NMA) is the largest and oldest national organization representing African American physicians and their patients in the United States. The NMA is a 501(c) (3) national professional and scientific organization representing the interests of more than 50,000 African American physicians and the patients they serve. NMA is committed to improving the quality of health among minorities and disadvantaged people through its membership, professional development, community health education, advocacy, research and partnerships with federal and private agencies. Throughout its history the National Medical Association has focused primarily on health issues related to African Americans and medically underserved populations; however, its principles, goals, initiatives and philosophy encompass all ethnic groups.