By Reginia Dodson | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

Hypertension, high blood pressure, and “the silent killer” are all different names for a disease that 1 in 2 adults in the United States suffer from. This is a very alarming statistic for something called a silent killer. Sounds like something from a horror film. Even more alarming statistics show that this silent killer affects black men the most. “High blood pressure is more common in non-Hispanic Black adults (54%) than in non-Hispanic white adults (46%), non-Hispanic Asian adults (39%), or Hispanic adults (36%). A heightened response is required due to the disparities in high blood pressure control in African American men” (CDC). With such a disproportionate burden of hypertension in African American men, the CDC has put forth effort to provide resources on treatment and prevention. “With heart disease and stroke being the first and third leading causes of death and major causes of disability, national and international experts agree that now is the time to address these conditions and their risk factors. Disease burden and growing disparities among certain populations are characteristics of the heart disease and stroke epidemic. One of the populations greatly affected by this epidemic is African American men. African American men suffer disproportionately from high blood pressure, a known risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Because of this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP) began to focus attention and resources on developing materials that provide answers” (CDC). The CDC has noticed a direct link between racism and high blood pressure among African American men. “Several studies found an association between racism and higher blood pressure levels in African American men. Perceived racism contributes to stress and low self-esteem, which can ultimately negatively affect blood pressure levels. The relationship between exposure to discrimination and blood pressure levels among African American men differs based on socioeconomic status” (CDC). 

Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it may show no symptoms. Hypertension puts you at risk for heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and other serious health problems. It is important that you know your numbers and act on them.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Closer Look at African American Men and High Blood Pressure Control: A Review of Psychosocial Factors and Systems-Level Interventions. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2010.