Extensive overview of hypertension and heart disease in African American males: prevalence and treatments
Date
2023
DOI
Authors
Lee, Hana I.
Version
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
This review hopes to highlight the contributing factors of hypertension and heart disease, reasons African American men are disproportionately affected by hypertension, and ways to treat hypertension. The study is targeted around identifying the issues and health disparities in the African- American community regarding hypertension and heart disease. Hypertension is a problematic disorder that can affect anyone with an unhealthy lifestyle, but specifically hypertension has been affecting the African American male community on a greater scale. Roughly 85 million Americans are affected by hypertension. To declare someone with hypertension, their systemic blood pressure must be equal to or greater to 120/80 mmHg. Researchers have concluded that the contributing factors are not limited to one category, but includes genetics, environmental factors, education, and psychologic factors.
Hypertension in the African American community has been a highly impactful and prominent issue for many years. It has been associated with many issues related to heart disease and blood pressure. With its connections to other health problem, this disease can reduce one’s lifespan by years if left untreated. Specifically, this disease has reduced African Americans life expectancy, but the main people who are greatly impacted are African American males. Given that high blood pressure is one of the leading issues African American males are faced with, they have the lowest life expectancy of all demographics. To treat hypertension, many variables need to be considered because each patient is different. The treatments used now include nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic regiments given the wide range of factors that can contribute to the disease