Hypertension in African Americans: Why high blood pressure Is more common and how to lower your risk

Published: July 29, 2026

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

High blood pressure in African Americans is one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

New research suggests that young African Americans (in their 20s, 30s and 40s) are living with or dying from conditions typical of older white Americans — like high blood pressure.

Why do so many African Americans have high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is a concern in itself, but African Americans are more likely to develop complications associated with high blood pressure, such as stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, blindness and dementia. While researchers have not determined a solid cause for high blood pressure in African Americans, there are two triggers that may play a role:

• Genetics: Some research shows that people of African descent respond differently to medication for high blood pressure than other groups. Other research also suggests that people of African descent may be more sensitive to salt, which increases the risk of developing high blood pressure.

READ MORE: Pastor F. Bruce Williams’ heart failure recovery story

• Environmental and social factors: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, social determinants of health are the nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes. A variety of possible psychosocial factors could have a significant impact on health, including: access to care, racism, cultural attitudes about health care and health status and education levels.

What can you do about it?

“The easiest thing to do is know your numbers and start there. Especially if you have a family history of heart disease or high blood pressure, or if you know you are in a high-risk group,” said Crystal D. Narcisse, M.D., physician with Norton Community Medical Associates.

According to Dr. Narcisse, a primary care provider at Norton Healthcare, you should continue monitoring your blood pressure either at home with a blood pressure cuff or at a clinic. You can make lifestyle changes such as:

• Maintaining regular primary care or cardiology appointments
• Eating a heart-healthy diet that is low in salt
• Getting regular physical exercise
• Reducing stress
• Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight
• Stopping smoking
• Reducing alcohol intake

Your doctor might put you on medication if your blood pressure remains high even after making some changes.