In recognition of National High Blood Pressure Education Month, which is sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this article features evidence-based education and practical tips on how to address high blood pressure with heart-healthy nutrition. Before delving into the education and tips, below is a brief overview of the condition and health statistics.
What is High Blood Pressure?
Written as two figures, blood pressure is measured as the pressure when the heart has pumped (systolic) and when the heart is in between beats (diastolic). When the heart pumps blood, blood pressure is higher than when it is in between beats. The systolic measurement will be higher than the diastolic measurement.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. If untreated over extended periods, it can cause health conditions such as heart disease and stroke.
The ranges for blood pressure are:
- Normal Blood Pressure Levels: Systolic < 120mmHg Diastolic > 80mmHg
- At Risk Blood Pressure Levels: Systolic 120-139mmHg Diastolic 80-89mmHg
- High Blood Pressure Levels: Systolic 140mmHg or higher Diastolic 90mmHg or higher
How Hypertension and Heart Disease Disproportionately Affect African Americans
In the US, approximately 1 in 3 adults have high blood pressure, however, most people are not aware they have this condition due to a lack of signs or symptoms. Hypertension is more common among African Americans than Caucasians and is less likely to occur in Mexican Americans (Heart Disease and African Americans | Office of Minority Health, 2023). To reiterate, uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart disease and stroke.
According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to heart attack. You can reduce your risk for heart disease through lifestyle changes such as eating a heart-healthy diet.
How Does Heart Disease Disproportionately Affect African American Populations?
- In 2019, African Americans were 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whites.
- Although African American adults are 30 percent more likely to have high blood pressure, they are less likely than non-Hispanic whites to have their blood pressure under control.
- African American women are nearly 50 percent more likely to have high blood pressure, as compared to non-Hispanic white women.
Addressing Hypertension with Healthy Eating
It is known that high levels of sodium (salt) consumption are linked to high blood pressure. In the US, most people consume more than twice the level of recommended sodium intake. Guidelines recommend up to 2,300mg of sodium per day for an adult. Those at higher risk should
