The Black Man's Guide to Good Health by James W. Reed

1, 11, 12 Progress in reducing incident stroke is linked to better hypertension control and reductions in population BP. 9, 10 Secular trends with improving treatment and control of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia have likely contributed to absolute reductions in black‐white cardiovascular disparities, although relative disparities persist. Greater attention to hypertension treatment and control in the Hypertension Detection and Follow‐Up Program (HDFP) reduced black‐white disparities in stroke and total mortality. 6 Several factors likely contribute to greater population attributable risk of hypertension in blacks including: (1) higher prevalence of hypertension, 1, 2, 3, 4 partially reflecting accelerated transition from prehypertension to hypertension 7 (2) greater prevalence of stage 2 hypertension blood pressure (BP) ≥160/≥100 mm Hg 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 (3) lower rates of hypertension control 1, 2, 3, 4 and (4) higher prevalence of comorbid conditions, which amplify cardiovascular and renal risk such as obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM), and albuminuria. 1, 2, 3, 4 In the United States, black‐white stroke disparities extend to prehypertension. 5 Yet, the greatest adverse consequences of hypertension, particularly stroke, heart failure, and end‐stage renal disease, occur in black individuals of African descent. Hypertension is a growing global problem. 1 Specifically, ISHIB has promoted greater recognition, treatment, and control of hypertension and concomitant cardiovascular risk factors in blacks. The International Society of Hypertension in Blacks recommends: (1) continuing efforts to achieve BP <140/<90 mm Hg in those with DM/CK, and (2) identifying hypertensive patients without DM/CKD and BP ≥140/<90 mm Hg and treat to an SBP <140 mm Hg in black adults 60–79 years.įor nearly 30 years, the International Society of Hypertension in Blacks (ISHIB) has provided leadership to mitigate the very high risk of hypertension‐related morbidity and mortality in black people of African descent. The literature suggests benefits of treated SBP <140 mm Hg in adults 60 to 79 years without DM/CKD. A 2014 hypertension guideline raised goal systolic blood pressure (SBP) from 30% 0–1 health‐care visits per year) occurred in untreated black and white hypertensive patients without DM/CKD and BP ≥140/<90 mm Hg.

The Black Man's Guide to Good Health by James W. Reed