Diabetes & Obesity
African Americans face a number of risk factors when it comes to high blood pressure. Also, the rate of high blood pressure is greater than any other ethnic group in America. In fact, more than 42% of non-Hispanic black male adults and 46% of non-Hispanic black female adults have high blood pressure.
According to the American Heart Association, African Americans with the highest rates of high blood pressure are more likely to:
- be middle aged or older
- be overweight or obese
- be physically inactive
- have diabetes
Anyone can develop dangerous complications from high blood pressure including:
- heart attack
- stroke
- kidney disease
- blindness
- dementia
But if you're African American, these complications tend to be more severe.
Diabetes & Obesity
Research shows that 79% of non-Hispanic black women and 67% of non-Hispanic black men aged 20 years or older are overweight or obese. Being overweight can cause problems. Too much fat puts you at higher risk for heart disease and stroke because excess weight puts a severe strain on your heart. Being overweight also raises your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, and can make you more likely to develop diabetes.
In addition, diabetes—often called "sugar," occurred in ten percent of non-Hispanic black men and 13% of non-Hispanic black women who are over age 20. But unfortunately, about a third of African Americans with diabetes don't know they have it.
If you have high blood pressure, and are overweight or have diabetes, it's really important to work with your doctor. This will enable you to proactively manage your health.
Please click here for a treatment option on high blood pressure.
