are approximately 1.5 to 2.0 times greater in African Americans than in the white population” (p. 165). Hypertension is a multifactorial disease characterized by several aspects that cause hypertension. According to Ferdinand and Saunders (2006), "causative factors have been identified among African Americans as obesity, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, excess dietary sodium, and inadequate dietary potassium intake." , in fruits and vegetables” (p. 23). Other factors that will cause hypertension in African Americans include race, age, gender, stress, family history of hypertension, socioeconomic status, and lack of awareness of hypertension. There is no specific cause for hypertension; however, African Americans have several factors contributing to hypertension. As a result, many of these factors can lead to vital health problems.