What Did the Research Discover?
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. While experts have developed guidelines to help manage hypertension, recent data show that blood pressure control in the U.S. is getting worse instead of better.
From 1999 to 2014, blood pressure control improved, but since then, it has declined significantly. Many people are not receiving the treatment they need, and racial and economic disparities make the problem worse. Black, Hispanic, and Asian adults are less likely to have controlled blood pressure than White adults, even after adjusting for income and healthcare access.
The COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to this decline. Many routine check-ups were delayed or moved online, making it harder for doctors to monitor blood pressure properly. Studies show that blood pressure increased in many patients during the pandemic, likely due to stress, reduced physical activity, and poor diet choices.
To reverse this trend, experts recommend improving patient education, increasing the use of home blood pressure monitoring, and expanding team-based care that includes nurses, pharmacists, and community health workers. Addressing barriers like medication affordability, treatment adherence, and access to care is also essential.
How Can I Apply This Information?
If you have high blood pressure, there are steps you can take to manage it. Regularly checking your blood pressure at home can help track your progress and detect any concerning changes. Following a healthy lifestyle—such as eating less salt, exercising, managing stress, and limiting alcohol—can also improve blood pressure control.
Working closely with healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, can make a difference. If you experience side effects from medication or have trouble affording it, discussing alternatives with your doctor can help.
Access to healthcare plays a significant role in blood pressure management. If you face difficulties getting care, seeking out community programs that offer screenings and support can provide valuable resources. While managing high blood pressure requires consistent effort, making small changes can reduce the risk of serious health problems and improve overall well-being.
Source:
Abdalla M, Bolen SD, Brettler J, Egan BM, Ferdinand KC, Ford CD, Lackland DT, Wall HK, Shimbo D, American Heart Association and American Medical Association. Implementation strategies to improve blood pressure control in the United States: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association and American Medical Association. Hypertension. 2023 Oct;80(10):e143-57. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/HYP.0000000000000232?rfr_dat=cr_pub++0pubmed&url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org
