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Hypertension in African Americans
Nomsa Musemwa1, Crystal A Gadegbeku2
1Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Kidney Transplantation, Temple University School of Medicine, Kresge West, Suite 100, 3440 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
Current Cardiology Reports
|October 30, 2017
Summary
African Americans face a high burden of hypertension, leading to significant health issues. Addressing this requires understanding complex factors and implementing tailored, comprehensive care strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Public Health
- Genetics
Background:
- Hypertension disproportionately affects African Americans, contributing to excess morbidity and mortality.
- This disparity accounts for 50% of US racial differences in mortality between Black and White populations.
- The pathophysiology is complex, likely involving gene-environment interactions and social determinants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the health impact of hypertension in African Americans.
- To review disease pathogenesis, evidence-based treatments, and current management guidelines.
- To outline strategies for addressing racial health disparities in hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on hypertension in African Americans.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on mortality differences.
- Examination of genetic, biological, and social factors influencing hypertension.
- Evaluation of current non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment guidelines.
Main Results:
- Hypertension is a major contributor to racial disparities in mortality.
- Genetic causes for the increased burden in African Americans are not yet fully identified.
- Effective treatment often requires combination therapy, with single-pill formulations showing success.
- Racial health disparities in hypertension are a critical public health concern.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive care strategies and multi-disciplinary research are essential.
- Understanding the interplay of biological and social factors is key to successful treatment.
- Addressing the hypertension burden in African Americans requires focused attention and tailored interventions.
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