Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

Higher Blood Pressure Kills 8,000 Black Americans a Year

Extent of deadly racial disparity surprises researchers

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 11, 2008 5:00 AM CST
Email

(Newser) – Some 8,000 lives a year are being lost because blacks suffer from higher blood pressure than the white population, surprising new research has discovered. "We expected it to be big, but it was even larger than we anticipated," said a researcher of the racial disparity. Some 40% of blacks have high blood pressure while 30% of whites suffer from the problem. The reason for the difference isn't clear, though researchers believe poverty may play a role.

In a highly controversial position, some researchers charge that patients may be failing to take blood-pressure medications. "'Compliance' to me is a hateful word," said one doctor. "It says, 'I'm the great doctor and inform you what needs to be done and you don't do it because you're stupid, you're incompetent.' I don't accept that."


A new study says thousands of African-American lives could be saved each year if their high blood pressure were better controlled.
A new study says thousands of African-American lives could be saved each year if their high blood pressure were better controlled.   (Feature Photo Service)
A new study says thousands of African-American lives could be saved each year if their high blood pressure were better controlled.
A new study says thousands of African-American lives could be saved each year if their high blood pressure were better controlled.   (AP Photo/Darren Hauck)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

'Compliance' to me is a hateful word. It says, 'We the great health care service inform you what needs to be done and you don't do it because you're incompetent.' I don't accept that at all."
- Dr. Jeremiah Stamler, Feinberg
School of Medicine

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Abstract of the journal article
Annals of Family Medicine

Lack of potassium linked to high blood pressure
Washington Post

 
African Americans • diet • blood pressure • exercise • Surgeon General • Imperial College London • high blood pressure • Annals of Family Medicine • Feinberg School of Medicine • Dr. David Satcher

More Newser Stories

Low-Carb Diet Linked to Lower Blood Pressure

McCain's 'Real Age' Is 63
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne