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Barriers to blood pressure control in African Americans. Overcoming obstacles is challenging, but target goals can be

Janice G Douglas1, Keith C Ferdinand, George L Bakris

  • 1Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Room W165, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106-4982, USA. jgd3@cwru.edu

Postgraduate Medicine
|October 29, 2002
PubMed

Insights

African Americans with hypertension benefit from early, intensive management. Effective treatment, including lifestyle changes and medication, can achieve blood pressure goals and prevent complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Public Health
  • Health Disparities

Background:

  • Hypertension management in African Americans is often suboptimal due to outdated attitudes and care standards.
  • Negative expectations regarding treatment efficacy can hinder optimal blood pressure control.
  • Addressing these barriers is crucial for improving cardiovascular health outcomes in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To challenge negative expectations surrounding hypertension treatment in African Americans.
  • To emphasize the benefits of early and intensive management strategies.
  • To guide healthcare providers in achieving blood pressure control and preventing complications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current clinical guidelines and evidence regarding hypertension in African Americans.
  • Analysis of factors contributing to suboptimal care and disparities.
  • Emphasis on systematic education and treatment approaches.

Main Results:

  • African American patients with elevated blood pressure demonstrate significant benefit from early and intensive management.
  • Blood pressure targets are achievable with appropriate therapeutic lifestyle changes and pharmacologic interventions.
  • Complications associated with uncontrolled hypertension can be effectively avoided through consistent management.

Conclusions:

  • Overcoming outdated biases is essential for optimal hypertension care in African Americans.
  • Combination pharmacologic therapy is frequently necessary to reach blood pressure goals.
  • Consultation with hypertension specialists is recommended when primary care management is insufficient.

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