Mayo Clinic Minute: Hypertension and heart disease in the Black community

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. African Americans are significantly affected by heart disease, resulting in higher mortality rates compared to white Americans.

One of the reasons for the disparity is due to high hypertension rates in the Black community. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, can increase your risk of developing heart disease.

Dr. LaPrincess Brewer, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, discusses cardiovascular disease and reversing the disturbing trend.

The statistics are startling. One person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease in the United States. High cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and hypertension can cause heart problems.

Dr. LaPrincess Brewer says elevated hypertension rates in the Black community can be attributed to various factors, including chronic stress, systemic racism and socioeconomic issues.

She says simple lifestyle changes can reduce high blood pressure and heart disease.
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