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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
PubMed

Insights

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.
Abstract

Keywords:
African AmericanBlood pressureCardiovascular diseaseHealth disparityHypertension pathogenesisHypertension treatment

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