Social, Racial, and Cultural Considerations in Hypertension in Older Adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

• Black and Hispanic older adults exhibit higher hypertension prevalence, inadequate treatment, and poorer blood pressure control than white adults in the U.S.
• These disparities in hypertension lead to worse cardiovascular outcomes in minoritized aging populations.
• Genetic factors alone do not account for these observed racial and ethnic differences in hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the multifaceted factors contributing to hypertension disparities in older adults.
• To highlight the role of social, economic, and environmental determinants in hypertension outcomes.
• To advocate for a comprehensive approach to addressing inequities in hypertension care.

Main Methods:

• This study synthesizes existing research on hypertension in older adults, focusing on racial and ethnic disparities.
• Analysis considers social determinants of health, including living circumstances, income, healthcare access, food security, education, and tobacco use.
• The review emphasizes the impact of these factors on long-term hypertension management and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Social, economic, and environmental factors significantly contribute to hypertension disparities among Black and Hispanic older adults.
• Factors such as living conditions, income, access to care, food security, education, and smoking negatively affect hypertension outcomes.
• These social and environmental influences are critical in understanding the persistent inequities in cardiovascular health.

Conclusions:

• Hypertension inequities in older adults are driven by a complex interplay of social, economic, and environmental factors.
• Addressing these disparities requires a holistic assessment that includes social, racial, and cultural dimensions.
• Interventions must move beyond purely biological explanations to tackle the root causes of health inequities.