African-Americans get hypertension earlier

DALLAS, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- Monitoring blood pressure and knowing family history of hypertension is important for everyone, but especially for African-Americans, a U.S. physician says.

Dr. Shawna Nesbitt, a hypertension specialist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, says the earlier in life a persons begin treating blood-pressure issues, the healthier the person will be.

"African-Americans are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure earlier, but hypertension is a threat to people of all cultures," Nesbitt says in a statement. "While there is no single reason, there are ways to combat it. Regular checkups and knowing your blood pressure are extremely important."

Heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and high cholesterol may all highlight the need for earlier treatment of high blood pressure, the doctor says.

People with risk factors for high blood pressure should aim to keep body weight in the normal range; lose weight if needed; maintain a low-salt/high-fiber diet; and exercise regularly -- about 30 minutes at least four days each week.