Lifestyle biomarker linked to high blood pressure, increased stroke risk among Black adults

• Of the 162 metabolites that were measured, elevated levels of the metabolite gluconic acid were found in Black adults who had high blood pressure but not their white peers with high blood pressure.
• Black adults with the highest gluconic acid levels were 86% more likely to have high blood pressure.
• Black adults with the highest gluconic acid levels had a 53% increased risk of ischemic stroke. No such association was found for white participants.
• Gluconic acid accounted for 25% of the association between high blood pressure and stroke among Black adults.
• In Black adults, after adjusting for multiple factors, a higher level of gluconic acid was associated with a Southern diet (foods high in added fats, fried foods, processed meats and sugary drinks), a lower level of education and a lack of exercise.

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