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Hypertension-related mortality among Hispanic subpopulations--United States, 1995-2002

    MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
    |February 25, 2006
    PubMed

    Insights

    Puerto Rican Americans experience higher hypertension-related mortality (HRM) rates compared to other Hispanic groups and non-Hispanic whites. Targeted prevention and control programs are crucial for this growing population.

    Area of Science:

    • Public Health
    • Epidemiology
    • Cardiovascular Disease

    Background:

    • Hypertension is a significant public health issue in the U.S., despite available therapies.
    • It's a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and premature death.
    • Certain Hispanic subpopulations show low awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analyze and compare age-standardized, hypertension-related mortality (HRM) rates among U.S. Hispanic subpopulations.
    • To identify specific Hispanic groups with elevated HRM to inform targeted public health strategies.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of U.S. death certificate data from 1995 and 2002.
    • Inclusion of Hispanic ethnicity and subpopulation data available on death certificates.
    • Age-standardization to compare mortality rates across different groups.

    Main Results:

    • Puerto Rican Americans exhibited consistently higher HRM rates than other Hispanic subpopulations and non-Hispanic whites.
    • This disparity highlights significant public health challenges within specific Hispanic communities.
    • Data indicate a need for improved hypertension management in vulnerable Hispanic populations.

    Conclusions:

    • Puerto Rican Americans face a disproportionately high burden of hypertension-related mortality.
    • Comprehensive hypertension prevention and control programs are essential for targeted Hispanic subpopulations.
    • Addressing these disparities is critical given the growth of the Hispanic population in the U.S.

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