Spruill TM, Butler MJ, Thomas SJ, et al. - Researchers analyzed a community-based cohort of blacks (Jackson Heart Study) to evaluate incident hypertension in correlation with perceived stress levels assessed annually for up to 13 years. They analyzed 1,829 participants without hypertension at baseline (Exam 1, 2000–2004). At Exam 2 (2005–2008) or Exam 3 (2009–2012), blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mm Hg or antihypertensive medication use defined incident hypertension. Participants were observed for a median duration of 7.0 years, during which, hypertension incidence was found to be 48.5%. Findings revealed an increased risk of developing hypertension in relation to higher perceived stress over time in this community-based cohort of blacks. For decreasing hypertension risk, evaluation of stress levels over time and interventions for persistent high perceived stress may offer aid.