Comparison of cardiovascular risk factors for high brachial pulse pressure in blacks versus whites (Charleston Heart Study, Evans County Study, NHANES I and II Studies).

We examined whether the risk factors for increased brachial pulse pressure (PP) are similar for blacks and whites. Many studies have reported the strong association of increased brachial PP and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. Participants were from 4 major epidemiologic studies in the United States (26,083 subjects): Charleston Heart Study, Evans County Heart Study, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) I study, and the NHANES II study.

Outcomes of black and white hypertensive individuals after 30 years of follow-up.

Outcomes of a 30-year follow-up for the participants of the Charleston Heart Study were studied with elevated blood pressure assessed using various classifications. The traditional categories of > or = 140/90 mmHg, > or = 160/95 mmHg and isolated systolic hypertension, as well as high normal and the four stages of high blood pressure were utilized in analyses. Prevalence rates of hypertension were, in general, higher among blacks compared to whites.