Hypertension - African Americans Less Likely To Take Vital Medications, Despite Higher Risk

Editor's Choice
Academic Journal
Main Category: Hypertension
Also Included In: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Article Date: 23 Feb 2012 - 5:00 PST


Every year, almost 8,000 African-Americans die unnecessarily due to racial disparities in hypertension control, making increased blood pressure control amongst African-Americans a 'compelling goal', according to an article in the Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, by Lisa M. Lewis, PhD, RN.

Compared with their Caucasian counterparts, African-Americans usually develop hypertension at a younger age and tend to have less control over their blood pressure, as well as disproportionately suffering from more strokes or mortalities.

According to statistics, African-Americans have a 30% higher risk of non-fatal stroke, an 80% higher risk of fatal stroke, and a startling 420% greater risk of end-stage kidney disease.

Scientific estimates have established that only 51% of all patients with hypertension regularly take their medications and that adherence rates amongst African-Americans are even lower.

Dr. Lewis discovered that some of the reasons for non-adherence to medication regimes were self-efficacy, depression, and patient-provider communication.

Lewis stressed that there is a need for further studies to be conducted, but highlighted healthcare providers should consider the importance of these factors in their treatment of hypertensive African-American patients.

She concluded:

"Increasing blood pressure control requires a comprehensive approach. Given that self-efficacy and patient-provider communication are modifiable factors, they can be the focus of interventions to increase medication adherence. [Clinicians also] may want to screen their hypertensive patients for depression and treat if necessary."

Written by Petra Rattue
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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