The rate of uncontrolled hypertension in US Hispanics significantly exceeds rates observed among non-Hispanic blacks and whites, driven by socioeconomic, healthcare access, and genetic factors.
This review highlights the disproportionately high rates of uncontrolled hypertension among US Hispanics and Mexican Americans, emphasizing the need to address socioeconomic and healthcare access barriers.
Hypertension is a major independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which are the most frequent cause of death worldwide. In addition, the risk of hypertension has been associated with racial and/or ethnic background. Hispanics are the largest and fastest-growing minority population in the United States, currently comprising about 16.3% (50.5 million) of the total population; these numbers will continue to increase into the next 10 years. The rate of uncontrolled hypertension in Hispanics significantly exceeds the rates observed among non-Hispanic blacks and whites. The reasons for these racial and ethnic differences in blood pressure control may include factors such as lack of access to health care, low socioeconomic status, language barriers, degree of acculturation, poor doctor-patient communication, and genetic factors. This article provides an up-to-date summary of epidemiological and treatment aspects of high blood pressure in the US Hispanic population. Because Mexican Americans constitute approximately 66% of US Hispanics, data sources that focus on Mexican Americans are also discussed.
Ventura et al. (Tue,) conducted a review in Hypertension. Hypertension and Antihypertensive Therapy was evaluated. The rate of uncontrolled hypertension in US Hispanics significantly exceeds rates observed among non-Hispanic blacks and whites, driven by socioeconomic, healthcare access, and genetic factors.