When hypertension is controlled, the threat of these complications is greatly reduced. High blood pressure is a more serious problem among African Americans. African Americans develop high blood pressure more often than whites, and tend to develop earlier, more severe cases of the disease. This is one reason why more African Americans have strokes, heart failure and kidney failure. They have an eight-fold higher incidence than whites of kidney failure related to high blood pressure.
Many effective drugs are available for treating high blood pressure.
Additionally, scientific evidence also points to a key role for behavioral changes, such as weight loss and regular exercise, in regulating blood pressure. Newer drugs being developed to treat blood pressure have fewer side effects. If patients experience any of these symptoms, they should report them to their doctors. In many cases, medication adjustments or changes may be prescribed in order to reduce or eliminate intolerable side effects. More effective prevention of high blood presssure and its associated complications can be achieved only through research.