Slavery hypertension hypothesis facts for kids

The slavery hypertension hypothesis is a scientific idea. It suggests why hypertension (high blood pressure) might be more common among Black people in the New World. The idea is that during the Middle Passage (the journey of enslaved people from Africa to the Americas), people who could hold onto more salt in their bodies were more likely to survive. This ability helped them deal with the harsh conditions. Over time, this trait became more common in their descendants.

The Idea's Beginnings

The idea was first suggested in 1983. Two scientists, Clarence Grim and Thomas W. Wilson, came up with it. They talked about it a lot in the 1980s. Many news outlets paid attention when Grim presented it at a meeting in 1988.

In 1990, a medical textbook mentioned the hypothesis for the first time. Then, in 1991, Wilson and Grim published a paper about it. This paper was "peer-reviewed." This means other experts checked it to make sure it was good science. This study also got a lot of attention from the media.

Genes and Salt Retention

In 2004, a new study added more to the idea. It looked at specific genes, like CPY3A5*1 and CPY3A5*3. These genes are linked to high blood pressure. The study found a connection between where people lived (their geographical latitude) and how these genes were spread.

It showed that African Americans whose ancestors were part of the slave trade often had a gene type common in people from areas near the equator. This gene type is connected to the body holding onto more salt.

Later Research and Discussion

In 2005, some important researchers looked at the idea again. They were David Cutler, Roland G. Fryer Jr., and Nathan Glazer. They explored why Black Americans, whose families came during the slave era, might have shorter lives. They thought it could be due to high blood pressure linked to the slave trade.

Their paper showed that Black Americans from the slave trade often had the gene type that helps the body keep salt. They also found these groups held onto more sodium than other groups in America. This included Black people who moved to America after slavery ended. This led to higher rates of high blood pressure.

The idea gained more attention in 2007. Oprah Winfrey talked about it with Dr. Oz in an interview.

Challenges to the Hypothesis

Since it was first proposed, some people have questioned the hypothesis. Some have even called it a "myth." They argue that the idea doesn't fit with historical facts. For example, they point out that salt was not always scarce in Africa. They also question what caused deaths on slave ships.

However, Grim and another researcher, Robinson, responded to these challenges. They said the hypothesis is still valid. They believe it matches historical descriptions of slavery.

See also

• African American health
• Intergroup anxiety
• John Henryism
• Minority stress
• Seasoning (slavery)
• Slave health on plantations in the United States
• Weathering hypothesis