Driving Problem:

The burden of high blood pressure is higher in African American adults at 56% compared to the national average of 45%.

Why understanding High Blood Pressure is Important?

Elevated blood pressure (>140/90) increases the risk for heart failure, stroke, ischemic heart disease, and kidney failure. The rates of adverse outcomes for poorly controlled blood pressure disproportionately impact African Americans. Black patients with primary hypertension (formerly called "essential" hypertension) are at much greater risk of developing cardiovascular complications than other demographic groups. This is manifested, in comparison with White patients, by a threefold increase in overall cardiovascular mortality and a six- to sevenfold increase in mortality under the age of 50 years. Black patients are at significantly greater risk for stroke than White patients, especially at younger ages, due in part to the earlier onset and greater severity of hypertension. In addition, the risk of stroke at similar levels of blood pressure may be greater in Black adults than in White adults. In one study, for example, every 10 mmHg higher systolic blood pressure increased stroke risk by 24 percent in Black patients compared with 8 percent in White patients. In addition to stroke, heart failure is more common among Black individuals

The Solution

Barbershop outreach programs, which began in the 1980s, leverage trusted relationships between barbers and clients to deliver health information and improve health outcomes in Black men. Healthy Heart Nation has launched an initiative to place blood pressure units in Black barbershops across America with online education, access to nutrition, and local resources.