Blood Pressure Researchers Seek African Americans

One in four American adults has high blood pressure. African Americans are more likely than whites to develop it and to have a more severe form.

Now, researchers at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science are looking for 100 additional African Americans with mild high blood pressure to participate in a six-month study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, to compare two non-drug approaches to lowering blood pressure.

In all, 180 subjects, ranging in age from 21 to 71, will participate. Half will be assigned to a group that learns transcendental meditation; half will be taught lifestyle modification such as diet and exercise.

Subjects must have mild hypertension, defined for the study as systolic pressures of 140 to 179 (the top number of the reading) and diastolic pressures of 90 to 109, says Chinelo Haney, project director.

Both groups will be screened for eligibility, receiving cholesterol tests, stress tests and other evaluations at no charge. They must also attend a number of meetings at the university (118th Street and Wilmington Ave. in Los Angeles). Participants will receive stipends of up to $180.

Call (213) 563-9335 for more information.