Risks for Hypertension Among Undiagnosed African American Mothers and Daughters

Abstract 

Introduction

This study examines risks for high blood pressure (BP) among undiagnosed African American mothers and daughters, because African American children are at risk for hypertension due to familial influences.

Method

This study was cross-sectional in design and included 70 African American mother and daughter participants from the Detroit metropolitan area.

Results

BP readings clinically diagnostic of hypertension were found for mothers (25.7%) and daughters (54.3%), although they were undiagnosed. Many participants with BP readings in pre-hypertension or hypertension categories were overweight or obese (mothers, 90.9%; daughters, 50.2%). Fewer underweight or normal-weight mothers (25.0%) and daughters (64.3%) had BP readings indicative of hypertension. Lower diastolic BP was associated with higher body mass index (BMI) among mothers (r = -.34, P = .045). Higher systolic BP was positively related to potassium consumption among daughters and total African Americans (r = .55, P = .005 and r = .41, P = .003, respectively).

Discussion

Early screening for hypertension is needed to improve health among African Americans. Health providers should use American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for determining hypertension in children. Research on familial and environment influences on BP among children is recommended to determine early risk for the development of hypertension.

Key words: Children, blood pressure, African American, risks