Race a factor in risk for high blood pressure

Last fall while attending a church health fair, Sarah Wilson learned she had high blood pressure well over the normal reading of 120/80. Her blood pressure was so alarmingly high that she was advised to go to an emergency room right away.

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is common in middle-aged, elderly and obese people. In fact, nearly one in three adults has it, and many go undiagnosed because “the silent killer” usually has no symptoms.

Hypertension is even more common in African Americans and usually develops earlier in life. In Kentucky, African Americans have more than 10 percent higher blood pressure rates than Caucasians.

Lack of access to medical care and unhealthy lifestyles and diet, which lead to obesity, are major factors in the higher prevalence of high blood pressure in African Americans, according to Giavonne Rondo-Hillman, M.D., internal medicine.

Controlling blood pressure is vital because hypertension is the No. 1 risk factor for stroke and contributes to coronary heart disease, which leads to heart attack and heart failure. In  Kentucky, about 18 percent of African-American women die prematurely from stroke, more than twice that of Caucasian women.

Wilson, who is 57, is now on medication to control her blood pressure. She feels much better and tries to stick to a healthy diet and regular exercise.

“I used to wake up with mild headaches or light-headedness,” she said. “I never had any idea it was from high blood pressure. Now that I know about it, I made a promise to myself to be more active.”

Getting regular blood pressure checks through screenings or checkups is the only sure way of catching it. And getting it checked is quick and painless.

“Get your blood pressure checked!” Wilson advises. “Especially if you’re not feeling like yourself, don’t overlook the fact that it could be your blood pressure.”

–Jennifer Stewart

Want to know more?
If it’s been a while since you’ve had your blood pressure checked, it’s time to check it again. Call (502) 629-1234 to schedule a free blood pressure screening. While some risk factors cannot be controlled, there are many ways to lower blood pressure:

• Eat right – stay away from foods high in saturated fat
• Keep within your ideal body weight range
• Stay away from salt – eat no more than 2,300 mg of sodium a
     day (about 1 teaspoon total)
• Drink alcohol in moderation – no more than one drink per day
• Stay active – at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week

Breaking the silence on the silent killer

Norton Heart Care  and the American Heart Association are fighting high blood pressure in African Americans in our community. These organizations have joined forces to launch a three-year campaign to raise awareness about the effects of high blood pressure as well as to screen and educate members of the community about blood pressure, heart health and healthy lifestyle improvements.

“The biggest goal is to bridge the gap between people who don’t have access to medical care,” said Giavonne Rondo-Hillman, M.D., member of the campaign’s steering committee. “We want to bring the issue of high blood pressure out in the open and educate people about how to control it.”

Another goal is to screen more than 1,000 African Americans living in Louisville and Southern Indiana each year for the next three years. In addition to the free screenings, special programs and enrichment activities are being offered at area churches, businesses and civic organizations.

“Raising awareness will decrease high blood pressure levels,” Dr. Rondo-Hillman said. “It’s not only important for African Americans, but the community as a whole.”

Want to know more?
For information on how to hold a screening or educational event at your business, church or organization, call (502) 899-6961. In addition, Norton Healthcare’s Office of Church and Health Ministries offers assistance to church congregations with new health ministry programs by providing complimentary start-up kits that contain blood pressure equipment. To find out more about resources for faith communities, call (502)629-2700.