Intro: It’s Tanesha Nicole here with Dr. George Mensah from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at NIH to Ask a Scientist about high blood pressure. 
 
TN: Dr. Mensah, you’ve said everyone is at risk for hypertension, but are some groups affected more than others? 

GM: Hypertension poses a particular challenge in African Americans. First, high blood pressure  
is very common. It’s more common in African Americans than in other racial and ethnic groups. Another important observation is that high blood pressure begins much, much earlier in life for African Americans than in any other group. 
 
TN: Knowing that, what should we do? 

GM: Everyone must have their blood pressure checked. Remember what the blood pressure numbers are, and then talk to your healthcare provider as to what you should do with those numbers and the steps and actions you yourself can take in order to keep your blood pressure normal and protect your vital organs. 
 
Outro: To learn more about high blood pressure, visit nhlbi.nih.gov.