The apparent need for better communication between clinicians and patients regarding elevated blood pressure among United States emerging adults

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the discrepancy between ‘told’ and screened blood pressure (BP) category, and the association between body composition and told BP category. Methods: Between 08/2019-03/2020 college students (n = 1057) were asked what category they had previously been told their BP falls into prior to having their BP and body composition (waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage) objectively assessed. Results: A disproportionate number (>80%) who were told that they had normal BP were categorized as having elevated BP. Men told they had borderline/high BP had less favorable body compositions than those told they had low/normal BP. Less favorable body composition was associated with increased likelihood of men being told that they had borderline/high BP. Conclusions: Better BP screening policies and procedures would ensure healthcare providers discuss elevated BP with emerging adults regardless of body composition and avoid missing opportunities to delivery of early and cost-effective interventions.

Keywords:

• Health care practitioner
• hypertension
• obesity

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the students who allowed the use of their data.

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of The United States of America and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Pennsylvania State University.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.