It is commonly recognized that African Americans have higher rates of hypertension compared to Whites in the United States. A commonly cited hypothesis is the slavery hypertension hypothesis. It posits that the horrors of the trans-Atlantic slave trade resulted in genetic selection of Africans with inherently greater salt-retention which resulted in hypertension among their ancestors. Despite lack of evidence to support this argument, it is commonly taught in medical schools today. This editorial from The American Physiological Society methodically outlines the flaws of this approach, and argue the hypothesis perpetuates bias against African Americans.
Presentation on the Effects of Racism on Hypertension in Native Hawaiians at Washington State University. Slides are available to review separately here.
“If there were no racism in America, hypertension would be less of a problem among blacks”