If you're African American, there's a good chance that you, a relative or a friend has high blood pressure (hypertension). More than 40 percent of African Americans have it. High blood pressure develops earlier in life in blacks than in whites and is usually more severe. The longer it's left untreated, the more serious its complications can become. High blood pressure is also a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney failure. Because high blood pressure is so serious, early detection and treatment are very important.

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