ROME, Ga., Feb. 2, 2024 – According to the American Heart Association, the prevalence of high blood pressure in African Americans in the U.S. is among the highest in the world. Also, African Americans are more likely to develop high blood pressure earlier in life.
The good news is that there are steps anyone can take to be healthier. February, which is American Heart Month, is the perfect time to start.
“Although genetics can sometimes play a role in the development of heart disease, research has shown that factors like smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, stress and social determinants of health can also negatively impact heart health," said Dr. Pamela Obi, director of quality improvement for the Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center Family Medicine Residency program.
Dr. Obi suggested several ways to improve your heart health:
If you smoke, cut down on the number of cigarettes. There are also smoking cessation classes and medications that can help you quit.
Eat more fruits and vegetables and cut down on the amount of salt (sodium) you consume. That may also mean you should look closely at food labels because sodium is often added to pre-packaged foods.
Exercising at least 150 minutes every week. If you have mobility issues, talk to your doctor about a modified exercise regimen.
Reducing stress can be very impactful to your health. Talking with a trusted friend, family or your health care provider can be the first step in identifying solutions. Mental health professionals are trained to identify and treat a variety of mental health conditions and can be beneficial to help with stress reduction which ultimately will improve your heart health.
Prior experiences with health care, lack of transportation, limited access to healthy food options and unsafe living conditions can also negatively impact your health. Your care team can provide community resources and help develop a plan for you.
“It is so important to see your health care provider to understand your risk factors," Dr. Obi said. “Your doctor can give you concrete ways you can manage your health if you have heart disease."