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Hypertension in African Americans

  • Hypertension (DS Geller and DL Cohen, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Cardiology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

African Americans are over-burdened with hypertension resulting in excess morbidity and mortality. We highlight the health impact of hypertension in this population, review important observations regarding disease pathogenesis, and outline evidence-based treatment, current treatment guidelines, and management approaches.

Recent Findings

Hypertension accounts for 50% of the racial differences in mortality between Blacks and Whites in the USA. Genome-wide association studies have not clearly identified distinct genetic causes for the excess burden in this population as yet. Pathophysiology is complex likely involving interaction of genetic, biological, and social factors prevalent among African Americans. Non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic therapy is required and specific treatment guidelines for this population are varied. Combination therapy is most often necessary and single-pill formulations are most successful in achieving BP targets.

Summary

Racial health disparities related to hypertension in African Americans are a serious public health concern that warrants greater attention. Multi-disciplinary research to understand the inter-relationship between biological and social factors is needed to guide successful treatments. Comprehensive care strategies are required to successfully address and eliminate the hypertension burden.

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  1. Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Kidney Transplantation, Temple University School of Medicine, Kresge West, Suite 100, 3440 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA

    Nomsa Musemwa & Crystal A. Gadegbeku

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  1. Nomsa Musemwa
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  2. Crystal A. Gadegbeku
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Correspondence to Crystal A. Gadegbeku.

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Nomsa Musemwa has no conflict of interest.

Crystal A. Gadegbeku receives funding from (1) NIH, NHLBI as an investigator in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Study. NIDDK, as an investigator in the Nephrotic Syndrome Study Network, Michigan Kidney Translational Core Center. (2) American Society of Nephrology, as Chair of Policy and Advocacy for the American Society of Nephrology, she receives a stipend. (3) Akebia, Inc., study support as site investigator for the clinical trial focused on anemia management in chronic kidney disease.

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Musemwa, N., Gadegbeku, C.A. Hypertension in African Americans. Curr Cardiol Rep 19, 129 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-017-0933-z

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