Will the 2021 USPSTF Hypertension Screening Recommendation Decrease or Worsen Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Blood Pressure Control?

Hypertension, defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) greater than or equal to 130 mm Hg or diastolic BP greater than or equal to 80 mm Hg, or currently using medication to lower BP, is a potent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor affecting 45.4% of the adult US population. Although the overall prevalence in Hispanic/Latinx adults is similar to non-Hispanic/Latinx White adults (43.7% vs 43.6%), there are considerable variations in prevalence and control among racial/ethnic subgroups resulting in less favorable hypertension-related outcomes. Similarly, recent national trends in BP control rates show worse hypertension control in all minoritized populations, including Black, Hispanic/ Latinx, Asian or Pacific Islander, and Native American or Alaska Native individuals, compared with White individuals. 3 Appropriate screening for diagnosis, treatment, and control of hypertension is necessary to decrease racial/ethnic disparities associated with hypertension-related morbidity and mortality.