Stress Can Kill: Hypertension In Black Americans

Chronically high levels of stress may increase Black Americans’ risk of high blood pressure, a new study suggests.

“Given the disproportionately high burden of hypertension in African-Americans, determining if chronic stress increases the risk of hypertension in this population is an important question that could guide prevention strategies,” said lead study author Tanya Spruill, an associate professor at NYU School of Medicine.

For the study, researchers analyzed data from more than 1,800 black participants in the Jackson Heart Study. They found that over seven years, those who reported long-term high stress levels were 22% more likely to develop high blood pressure than those with low stress levels.

High blood pressure can contribute to stroke, a leading cause of death and disability.

The link between stress and blood pressure was independent of sociodemographic factors, traditional high