Eliminating hypertension disparities in U.S. non-Hispanic black adults: current and emerging interventions

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Health Disparities
• Public Health

Background:

• Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) adults in the U.S. experience hypertension with earlier onset, higher prevalence, and increased severity.
• Uncontrolled hypertension contributes significantly to cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity, mortality, and reduced longevity in NHB adults.
• Persistent hypertension-related disparities and the racial mortality gap have been exacerbated by factors including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Approach:

• Reviewing recent data on hypertension control and CVD outcomes in U.S. NHB adults.
• Examining current strategies to address disparities, including therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC), evidence-based pharmacotherapy, community-based interventions, and self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring.
• Exploring future research and initiatives aimed at achieving hypertension-related health equity.

Key Points:

• Therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) and evidence-based pharmacotherapy are crucial for all populations, particularly NHB adults.
• Community-based interventions and SMBP monitoring are emerging as vital tools to combat hypertension disparities.
• Addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH) is fundamental to mitigating hypertension-related inequities.

Conclusions:

• Unacceptable hypertension and CVD morbidity and mortality in U.S. NHB adults necessitate urgent action.
• Implementing comprehensive strategies that include TLC, pharmacotherapy, community engagement, and SMBP can improve hypertension control.
• Future efforts must focus on health equity to overcome SDOH and eliminate hypertension disparities.