Hypertension in Black Patients: An Update

Abstract

Black individuals are at high risk for hypertension and increased morbidity from cardiovascular and renal disease, in particular. Increased understanding of racial disparities in hypertension, in terms of risk factors, patient/physician behaviors, and treatment outcomes, is key to improving racially oriented care in black patients. Recent data suggest that black patients progress more rapidly from prehypertension to hypertension, highlighting the need for early and prompt intervention. Unfortunately, adherence to and persistence with antihypertensive therapy are generally poor in black patients and are compounded by the increased need for multidrug therapy in this patient population. Treatment strategies currently under investigation are focusing on methods to improve self-care behaviors and medication adherence. Because this is a constantly and rapidly evolving field of study, this article provides an update of recent findings that should be of relevance and interest to practicing clinicians.

Keywords:

• black
• hypertension
• antihypertensive
• guidelines
• RAS inhibitors
• chlorthalidone