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African-Americans Urged to to Know Their Blood Pressure
Holiday Season a Good Time to Discuss Health Concerns
Atlanta, GA – More than 50 million American adults — 1 in 4 — have high
blood pressure (hypertension). It is even more common in African Americans
(affecting 1 in 3 adults), who get it earlier and more often than whites.
Frequently, it is called the “silent killer,” a serious condition that
often has no symptoms.
In an effort to help fight the disease, the Association of Black
Cardiologists, Inc. (ABC), is urging all Americans, especially
African-Americans, to know their blood pressure and to talk with families and
friends about their health concerns this holiday season.
“Most individuals with high blood pressure are unaware of their condition.
By educating people, especially minority racial and ethnic populations, about
the importance of knowing their blood pressure and seeking treatment, we can
save lives,” said B. Waine Kong, Ph.D., J.D., ABC’s chief executive
officer.
High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, the first-
and third-leading causes of death for Americans. High blood pressure can also
cause other problems, such as heart failure, kidney disease, and blindness.
African-Americans have more than three times the national rate of
hypertension-related kidney disease. They also have an 80 percent higher
rate of stroke-related deaths and a 50 percent higher heart disease mortality
rate.
In addition to raising awareness about the disease, ABC is encouraging
individuals with high blood pressure to seeking appropriate medical care.
Hypertension can often be controlled through lifestyle modifications (e.g.,
diet and exercise), medication, or a combination of the two.
“Individuals with hypertension often have family members with the disease as
well. As families come together for the holiday season, it is an
excellent time to discuss health issues,” said Elizabeth O. Ofili, M.D.,
M.P.H.
# # #
MEDIA NOTE: B. Waine Kong, Ph.D., J.D. and Elizabeth O. Ofili, M.D., M.P.H.
are available for interviews, as are local medical experts.
Please call Nancy Mulligan or Dwana Pinchock at 301/984-7191 for more
information.
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