via BlackDoctor:
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is known as a “silent killer” because often there are no symptoms. African Americans develop high blood pressure at a higher rate than any other racial group in the United States. Moreover, high blood pressure tends to occur at younger ages and to be more severe in African Americans. If not properly cared for high blood pressure’s progressive effects can strain the heart, damage blood vessels and increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and even kidney disease.
According to the new 2017 guidelines published by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) for detection, prevention, management and treatment of high blood pressure, high blood pressure is now defined as readings of 130/80 mm Hg and higher.
Knowing Your Risk Is Key to Prevention
Anyone can develop high blood pressure; however, age, race or ethnicity, being overweight, gender, lifestyle habits, and a family history of high blood pressure can increase your risk. You can’t control who you are—your age, gender, race, or family history. But, you can control your lifestyle habits—being physical activity, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol consumpti
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