Psychosocial predictors of hypertension in Black and White Africans

Abstract

Among young, urbanized Black students, besides the well-known genetic (family history of hypertension) and biological (initial blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index, smoking and alcohol intake) predictors of hypertension, psychosocial factors are predictive of the later incidence of hypertension. Behavioural non-pharmacological treatment for hypertension might be considered in African developing countries.