The Silent Killer Affecting the Black Community: What You Need to Know

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often referred to as a “silent killer” due to its lack of noticeable symptoms until it reaches a dangerous level. This condition disproportionately affects the Black community, making awareness and education crucial. Cardiologist Mary Branch, a fourth-generation physician and the first Black female to have a Cardiovascular Disease fellowship from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, has overcome significant challenges, including systemic racism and the rigors of medical training. She now serves as a beacon of inspiration for many aspiring medical professionals. BlackDoctor.org spoke with Dr. Branch about what Black Americans need to know about high blood pressure and the importance of early detection and lifestyle changes. Understanding Hypertension Headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, and nausea can all be signs that your blood pressure is high. However, in most cases, hypertension presents no symptoms, earning it the nickname “the silent killer.” “Some people will feel it, but you don’t usually feel it until your blood pressure is around 180 over 90, and at that point, you’re at risk for a stroke. That’s too late in terms of identifying whether you have hypertension or not. It’s known as a silent killer because you can have uncontrolled...