Hypertension Management to Reduce Racial/Ethnic Disparities: Clinical and Community-Based Interventions

Hypertension remains a major public health concern globally and in the United States with significant racial/ethnic disparities in prevalence, treatment, and control. Despite effective treatments, undiagnosed or uncontrolled hypertension persists, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and substantial healthcare costs. Addressing hypertension disparities requires a comprehensive approach, integrating clinical interventions with community-based strategies. This review examines the current landscape of clinic-and community-based interventions designed to improve hypertension management and reduce disparities.

Clinic-based approaches highlighted include implementing evidence-based guidelines, using treatment algorithms, promoting self-management, integrating digital health technologies, and incorporating team-based care approaches. Community interventions discussed involve lifestyle modification programs, faith-based initiatives, trusted community spaces, culturally-tailored health education, engaging community health workers, and collaborative care models linking clinics and communities. This review stresses the importance of addressing SDoH, fostering community engagement, and delivering culturally competent care. Strengthening clinic-community linkages, evaluating long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, leveraging technology and innovation, and addressing gaps in research for underrepresented groups are key priorities for advancing health equity in hypertension management.

To effectively close the widening gap in hypertension disparities, collaborative multi-level efforts integrating clinical excellence and community empowerment are essential to mitigate the disproportionate burden of hypertension among racial/ethnic minority populations.