Journal
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HYPERTENSION
Volume 27, Issue 6, Pages 793-800Publisher
OXFORD UNIV PRESS
DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpu003
Keywords
blood pressure; epidemiology; Hispanics; hypertension; Latinos; medically uninsured; socioeconomic status
Categories
Funding
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) [N01-HC65233]
- University of Miami [N01-HC65234]
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine [N01-HC65235]
- Northwestern University [N01-HC65236]
- San Diego State University [N01-HC65237]
- National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements
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BACKGROUND The prevention and control of hypertension is an essential component for reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases. Here we describe the prevalence of hypertension in diverse Hispanic/Latino background groups and describe the proportion who are aware of their diagnosis, receiving treatment, and having their hypertension under control. METHODS The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos is a longitudinal cohort study of 16,415 Hispanics/Latinos, aged 18-74 years from 4 US communities (Bronx, NY; Chicago, IL; Miami, FL; and San Diego, CA). At baseline (2008-2011) the study collected extensive measurements and completed questionnaires related to research on cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension was defined as measured blood pressure >= 140/90 mm Hg or use of antihypertensive medication. RESULTS The total age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension in this study was 25.5% as compared with 27.4% in non-Hispanic whites in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Prevalence of hypertension increased with increasing age groups and was highest in Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Dominican background groups. The percent with hypertension who were aware, being treated with medication, or had their hypertension controlled was lower compared with US non-Hispanic whites with hypertension and it was lowest in those without health insurance. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate a significant deficit in treatment and control of hypertension among Hispanics/Latinos residing in the United States, particularly those without health insurance. Given the relative ease of identification of hypertension and the availability of low-cost medications, enabling better access to diagnostic and treatment services should reduce the burden of hypertension in Hispanic populations.
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