46. Hypertension: Handling the Pressure

Doctors have long known that hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Yet today, nearly half of all adults in the United States have hypertension, creating a silent public health threat.

Host Dr. Judy Monroe is joined by Dr. Jerome Adams and Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel. Dr. Adams is a former U.S. Surgeon General of the United States and now serves as the executive director of Purdue University's Health Equity Initiatives. Dr. Emanuel is vice provost for global initiatives and the Diane v.S. Levy and Robert M. Levy University Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. In this episode, the doctors discuss the health risks posed by hypertension, reasons why it is so prevalent in the U.S. and the steps we can all take to stay healthy.

For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.

Key Takeaways:

[1:46] Why is hypertension so prevalent?

[2:20] Dr. Emanuel discusses the lack of exercise as a contributing factor to high hypertension rates in the U.S. adult population.

[2:52] Dr. Emanuel addresses the issues of poor diet, processed food and high sodium intake as they relate to hypertension.

[3:13] Obesity is a major factor for hypertension.

[3:50] Alcohol consumption as a contributor to high rates of hypertension.

[4:23] Dr. Adams highlights the impact of poor hypertension control among those impacted.

[7:14] What steps can Americans take to address the higher impact of hypertension among the Black community?

[8:53] Dr. Adams discusses systemic racism and its impact on hypertension control.

[9:30] Dr. Emanuel emphasizes what he calls 'huge' health inequities in hypertension.

[10:44] The lack of awareness regarding hypertension is part of the problem.

[12:50] During the pandemic, more people were lost each year to hypertension than to COVID-19.

[13:06] Dr. Adams explains the three goals of the Surgeon General's call to action.

Mentioned in This Episode: Surgeon General's Call to Action