In England, people from Black African and Black Caribbean ethnic groups have a higher risk of hypertension/high blood pressure than the general population.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if untreated, it increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
Why is this the case?
While it is known that people of Black ethnicities have a higher risk of hypertension than the general population, the reasons for this are not clear cut.
It is therefore important that you keep your eye on the things you can do to reduce the risk of getting high blood pressure.
Understanding hypertension
Your blood pressure is measured using two numbers, a higher number and a lower number
- the higher number (systolic pressure): this is a measure of the force at which your heart pumps blood around your body
- the lower number (diastolic pressure): this is a measure of the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels.
If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs, such as the brain, kidneys and eyes.
What you can do about it
Prevention
High blood pressure can often be prevented or reduced by
- eating healthily
- maintaining a healthy weight
- taking regular exercise
- drinking alcohol in moderation
- and not smoking.
Get tested
Testing is the only way to know. Test at
- your GP
- some pharmacies
- an NHS Health Check for people aged 40 to 74 in England
- in some workplaces
- at health events
Info and support
Organisations
For more informations support you can talk to your GP or pharmacist. The following organisations also provide information and support
