In the United States, a disproportionate number of African-Americans have hypertension compared to age-matched non-Hispanic Caucasians and Mexican Americans. Earlier onset and greater severity of hypertension in African-Americans contribute to greater target organ damage and may be a factor in shorter life expectancy in this population compared to Caucasian-Americans. Although genetic factors have been invoked to explain these racial differences, environmental factors probably play a more important role. Improved management of hypertension through both lifestyle intervention and pharmacotherapy, including combination therapy, are necessary to achieve target blood pressure in African Americans.