Hypertension: Disparities widen for black women

By Magaly Olivero

HARTFORD, Conn. – Hypertension rates among women in all eight Connecticut counties increased from 2001 to 2009, with disparities widening for African American women compared to whites and Hispanics, according to a C-HIT analysis of data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington.

In fact, nearly one out of every two African American women living in Connecticut suffers from hypertension, a life-threatening condition that can lead to heart attack, stroke and kidney disease, research shows. In Fairfield County, the rate of hypertension among African American women is 15 percent higher than among Caucasian women.

The rising trend in hypertension coincides with increasing adult obesity rates in Connecticut and the nation, as stepped up efforts focusing on wellness—from Michelle Obama’s national physical activity campaign “Let’s Move!” to serving healthier meals at local public schools—look to stem the tide in future generations. The state findings on hypertension mirror national statistics showing black women with the highest rates.

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