Agency social workers could monitor hypertension in the community

Uncontrolled hypertension is highly prevalent, presents without symptoms, and constitutes a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Several factors impede individuals from adhering to treatment, while others work against physician monitoring and medication adjustment as the condition changes. As family counselors and leaders of self-help and mutual aid groups, social workers are among the best positioned professionals to help individuals, couples, and families improve psychosocial dynamics associated with hypertension, secure support, and overcome barriers to lifestyle changes or medication adherence. An important case is made for training social workers from community social service agencies to engage and guide their clients in accurate self-screenings for hypertension and to refer those with elevated blood pressure for follow-up care.