Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a nationwide health risk. However, like obesity and diabetes, the risks for hypertension are disproportionately higher in the African American community, and are more prevalent in men than women. Additionally, black men experience hypertension at any early age, live with it our entire lives and are more likely to die from hypertension and its complications.

In 2006, the death rates from high blood pressure per a 100,000 population, include

• 14.3 for white females
• 15.6 for white males

• 37.7 for black females, and

• 51.1 for black males

(graph adapted from American Heart Association)

The death rate for African-American men is the highest of all four populations.

In Hennepin County, the prevalence of high blood pressure is nearly double in African-American communities compared to all other racial groups.

Learn more about hypertension. Visit these related links:

• African-Americans and hypertension
• How stress affects high blood pressure