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Published on: September 26, 2018

Racial disparities in cardiovascular risk factors among diagnosed hypertensive subjects

Xuefeng Liu1, Meng Liu, Dennis Tsilimingras

  • 1Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA. lix01@etsu.edu

Journal of the American Society of Hypertension : JASH
|April 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Racial disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors persist. Hispanics and Black individuals face higher risks for uncontrolled blood pressure and elevated glycosylated hemoglobin, necessitating targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Public Health
  • Health Disparities

Background:

  • Racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) are a significant public health concern.
  • Hypertension is a major risk factor for CVD, and its management varies across different racial and ethnic groups.
  • Understanding the specific risk factor profiles in diverse hypertensive populations is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate racial disparities in key cardiovascular disease risk factors among hypertensive adults.
  • To analyze trends in glycosylated hemoglobin, HDL cholesterol, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and albuminuria across racial groups.
  • To identify specific risk factor patterns that require targeted interventions to reduce CVD morbidity and mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from 4758 diagnosed hypertensive subjects aged 18+ from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2006).
  • Comparison of risk factors including blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin, HDL, homocysteine, and albuminuria between non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic blacks.
  • Statistical analysis using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to assess disparities.

Main Results:

  • Hispanics and non-Hispanic blacks showed higher odds of uncontrolled blood pressure, elevated glycosylated hemoglobin, and albuminuria compared to non-Hispanic whites.
  • Black individuals had lower risks for elevated serum cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol than whites.
  • Hispanics had a lower risk of high serum homocysteine, while blacks had a higher risk compared to whites.

Conclusions:

  • Significant racial disparities exist in cardiovascular disease risk factors among hypertensive individuals.
  • Targeted interventions are needed for uncontrolled blood pressure and elevated glycosylated hemoglobin in Hispanic and Black hypertensive patients.
  • Addressing high serum homocysteine in Black hypertensive individuals is essential to mitigate CVD risk and reduce health disparities.

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