Studies have shown that older people, like younger people, who are treated for high blood pressure, live longer, healthier lives. They benefit even if their blood pressure is only slightly above normal before they start treatment. High blood pressure happens more often among African Americans than whites. It starts at an earlier age and usually is more severe. And African Americans have a higher death rate from stroke and kidney problems than whites.
Treatment can control their high blood pressure.
The key is to control the risk factors for high blood pressure. These include being overweight, diabetes, lack of enough physical activity, and eating foods high in sodium or low in potassium. Lifestyle changes often are enough to control these factors and prevent the condition altogether. People who have high blood pressure and either form of diabetes also have an increased risk of heart and kidney problems and stroke. They usually have high blood cholesterol, too.