The seemingly simple phrase “calm down” may be more harmful than expected, especially for new moms of color. A recent study published in the journal Hypertension shows that microaggressions, including this phrase, can significantly increase blood pressure, potentially endangering maternal health.

Researchers have found that women of color who experience gender-based racism through microaggressions during pregnancy and postpartum care suffer a significant increase in blood pressure compared to those who do not encounter such comments. Are. These effects are even greater for women living in areas with high levels of structural racism.

“It is well known that Black, Hispanic, and South Asian women experience microaggressions during health care access. It is not well known whether these microaggressions may have any connection to high blood pressure,” said lead researcher Teresa Jenevick, associate professor of epidemiology at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

The study, conducted at four hospitals in Philadelphia and New York City, surveyed nearly 400 women of color ages 16 to 46. 43 percent of the participants were between 20 and 29 years of age. Researchers asked women about their microaggressions. Encountered during pregnancy care. Examples include being disrespected, being told to “calm down”, or being accused of anger for speaking out.

The findings were worrying: Nearly 38% of the women reported at least one instance of microaggression during their care. People who experienced such instances had significantly higher blood pressure readings – 2.12 points for systolic (pressure during heartbeats) and 1.43 points for diastolic (pressure between heartbeats).

For women living in areas marked by structural racism, the differences were even more pronounced. Their systolic blood pressure reading was 7.55 points higher, while the diastolic reading was 6.03 points higher. These elevated levels can put them at greater risk of high blood pressure and related complications.

Dr. Natalie Cameron, instructor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of these findings: “For many people, this could make the difference between whether they need blood pressure-lowering medications or not. “

Study highlights long-term health consequences of racism and microaggressions on maternal health. “The magnitude of these types of physiological changes can be cumulative over time and lead to disparities in many health outcomes,” said Dr. Lisa Levin, senior researcher and director of the Pregnancy and Heart Disease Program at the University of Pennsylvania.

The researchers advocate for further study to better understand the interrelationship between racism, blood pressure and its effects on both mothers and their infants. Addressing these systemic issues may be critical to improving health outcomes and reducing disparities in maternal care.

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