A recent study from the American Heart Association Journal, found that there is a link between high blood pressure and stroke in a group of Black and white young adults in four U.S. Cities.
Particularly, Black young adults are four times more likely to have a stroke than their white counterparts. High blood pressure is the number one cause of stroke and the blood pressure of
young adults in the U.S. had steadily increased over past years. Subsequently, healthcare professionals and researchers have urged closer blood pressure management and monitoring for young adults, especially Black young adults.
While the study does not mention biological determinants, there is astrong investigation into the social determinants of health and how to remedy these factors in order to help mend the gap.
Environmental factors such as lack of accessible and/or affordable healthcare, food, and places to exercise are being identified as the underlying cause of this disparity.
While social determinants of health cannot be simply remedied by medicine, public health and city planning play a huge role in the health of its citizens. However, years of segregation and defunding make these remedies inaccessible to many people of color and low-income communities.
Nonetheless, there are actionable steps that Black adults can take to lower their risk for stroke.
Primarily, managing and lowering blood pressure is a key step. Below are some habits to implement into your weekly routine in order to help manage your blood pressure: