hypertension
in
black patients is essential as it has a much
worse
outcome
High blood pressure (hypertension) in black people
Summary
People with hypertension often do not feel unwell. Sometimes the first symptom is having a stroke or a heart attack. The chances of this could re reduced as hypertension can easily be treated with medication.
Who
One study found that “every 10 mmHg higher systolic blood pressure increased stroke risk by 24 percent in Black patients compared with 8 percent in White patients”
How
We need to ensure that we have better screening to diagnose black people with high blood pressure earlier.
Once a diagnosis has been made we need to ensure that we have tight control.
What is hypertension
Simply put, this is raised blood pressure. The heart pumps blood to all parts of the body in vessels. Hypertension is a condition where the blood vessels have persistently high pressures. The higher the pressure, the harder the heart has to pump.
What does ‘high’ in high blood pressure mean?
If your blood pressure is regularly over 140/90, it would make a diagnosis of hypertension. It can a little higher in people aged over 80 and a little lower if you have other illnesses such as diabetes.
Why is it important
High blood pressure does not usually have noticeable symptoms. However, if we don’t treat it, it can lead to serious problems like a heart attack or stroke.
Worryingly, about 1 in 3 people in the UK have hypertension, and the only way to find out if you have it, is by checking your blood pressure.
Why does it matter in black people?
Hypertension is more common in black patients compared with white patients. However, the reasons for this observation are not fully understood.
We do know hypertension in black patients presents earlier in life, and tends to be more severe. Black patients are at higher risk of developing heart-related complications compared to other demographic groups. They are also at a significantly higher risk of stroke due in part to the earlier onset and greater severity of hypertension.
One study found that “every 10 mmHg higher systolic blood pressure increased stroke risk by 24 percent in Black patients compared with 8 percent in White patients”
In addition to stroke, heart failure Is also more common.
How do we treat high blood pressure?
Lifestyle changes make the biggest.
Your doctor may recommend taking 1 or more blood pressure medications. You may be asked to buy a blood pressure machine to help keep track of your readings. There are also lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your blood pressure.
- lowering the amount of salt that you eat, and generally having a healthier diet.
- drinking less alcohol
- regular exercise
- reducing caffeine intake
- stopping smoking
If you have any symptoms or need advice in your case, please contact your doctor.
References
https://www.who.int/health-topics/hypertension#tab=tab_1 (accessed 23rd January 2023)
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/ (accessed 23rdJanuary 2023)
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/burden-of-hypertension-in-black-individuals(accessed 23rd January 2023)
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