High blood pressure has become highly prevalent in modern society.
Some healthcare experts link it to our stressful lifestyles and sub-optimal nutrition.
A lack of exercise is another commonly cited reason for hypertension.
However, could the problem have deeper roots in cultural identities.
Lately, it has become apparent that some communities face a heightened risk of blood pressure problems.
They must exercise greater caution and avoid the concern from surfacing in other family members.
Let’s find out who may have an elevated risk of hypertension and what we can do to manage associated risks.
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Communities With the Highest Hypertension Risk
The CDC reports that non-Hispanic Black American adults have a markedly higher likelihood of high blood pressure.
These odds are worse for African American women.
Even more worryingly, hypertension among African American people may manifest at a younger age. It can also be more challenging to treat.
According to HealthCentral, this situation can have roots in social determinants of health.
These could be access to food, medication, and treatment.
Some Black people may hesitate to seek medical aid due to negative experiences in the past.
Over time, it worsens health outcomes for the community at large.
The higher hypertension risk among African Americans may also stem from their susceptibility to obesity and Type-2 diabetes.
These health conditions often connect to raised blood pressure.
Importantly, genetic factors may only play a limited role, if at all.
Researchers have not noted a similar risk profile among Africans.
That said, certain communities in sub-Saharan Africa do exhibit an increasing prevalence of hypertension.
A Nature study links this scenario to newer factors like salt handling, besides risks like education and income levels.
Medical researchers are exploring the pathophysiological processes that could be affecting children and adults in these geographical regions.
A Gender Bias in Hypertension
Besides community linkages, high blood pressure also seems to discriminate against people from different genders.
South East Asia is a susceptible group to hypertension.
Here, cases have been mounting rapidly among women.
Frontiers notes that many socio-cultural-economic factors could be at play here.
For example, many women may not access treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome. PCOS can trigger blood pressure problems.
In later life, menopause and aging-related stress also make women more vulnerable.
Some studies have noted that a few South Asian countries see more cases of preeclampsia than regions with more advanced healthcare systems.
Preeclampsia, which manifests as high blood pressure during pregnancy, can affect cardiovascular health in the long term.
In general, birth-related conditions are a prime factor in exposing women of some communities to high blood pressure.
Many Asian women report facing racism through microaggressions in the postpartum period.
Dealing with Raised Risk of Hypertension
You may belong to a high-risk group for hypertension due to your cultural identity and gender-related factors.
The first step to managing your risk is being proactive about monitoring.
A hypertension diagnosis has become common among young people, mandating the need to start monitoring early.
You should insist on a blood pressure check during doctor visits.
Purchasing a blood pressure device for home use can give you peace of mind.
Dealing with hypertension can be more distressing when it manifests suddenly.
You may encounter it through unnerving symptoms like nausea and breathing difficulties.
Partnering with a committed healthcare team will help you manage the condition through medication and lifestyle changes.
When seeking help with hypertension, seek a culturally sensitive team that uses a tailored approach for different patients.
For example, some accelerated BSN online programs impart an appreciation of sociocultural diversity in students.
As a result, these nurses are adept at therapeutic communication.
It may comprise advice on a nutritious diet with low sodium or finding time for a daily walk.
The rising popularity of online healthcare courses has drawn devoted professionals to the field.
According to Cleveland State University, balanced online programs let practitioners build real-world competencies by integrating residencies and clinical placements.
Consequently, these professionals can extend high-quality care to different patients, spanning pharmacology and research-based solutions.
The larger ecosystem is also working to mitigate hypertension risks among vulnerable communities.
The WHO notes that more companies now clearly label trans fats and salt content in foods.
These labels help consumers make informed choices at the supermarket and avoid items that can worsen the outlook for hypertension.
On that note, better eating habits remain a powerful approach for combating high BP risks.
However, beware of false claims and “magical” products that claim to cure hypertension.
The condition is usually chronic and needs long-term management.
For example, VeryWell Health notes that some studies advise consuming hibiscus tea to reduce BP.
But what if you experience side effects like an unsettled stomach or an allergic reaction?
The bottom line is that many such purported cures have limited foundation.
You must be careful if you choose to adopt them to complement routine medication and treatment.
Learning about your risk of a health condition can be unnerving.
You can also view it as an early warning to make effective changes.
Being susceptible to a condition does not chart a definite future.
However, being alert and proactive can only be beneficial for your health and the reassurance of your loved ones.
