Publication Date
7-18-2022
Keywords
home blood pressure monitoring, hypertension, African American, primary care, racial inequity, health care disparities, social determinants of health
Abstract
African Americans are disproportionately affected by hypertension, a modifiable contributor to multiple chronic diseases and premature death. Primary care physicians play an important role in hypertension control. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is an evidence-based method for confirming diagnosis and monitoring hypertension over time. Some studies have found that HBPM may lead to clinically relevant reductions in blood pressure when combined with additional interventions, but few studies have focused specifically on African American populations. Evidence of effectiveness could increase clinical recommendation of HBPM. This clinical inquiry examined whether HBPM improves blood pressure control in African Americans with uncontrolled hypertension. Reviewed studies included 4 randomized controlled trials and 2 comparative research studies. Because these studies often were coupled with various co-interventions, ascertaining the independent effects of HBPM was difficult. When examining reviews of HBPM without a co-intervention and conducted independent of race, HBPM alone was insufficient to achieve long-term changes in hypertension control. More research focused on African Americans, with use of control groups, is needed to determine the true role for HBPM in controlling hypertension in this at-risk patient population.
Recommended Citation
Nye R, Lehmann W, Simpson D. Is home blood pressure monitoring effective at controlling hypertension in African American patients? A Clin-IQ. J Patient Cent Res Rev. 2022;9:185-90. doi: 10.17294/2330-0698.1944
Included in
Cardiology Commons, Cardiovascular Diseases Commons, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Family Medicine Commons, Health Information Technology Commons, Health Services Research Commons, Investigative Techniques Commons, Medical Education Commons, Patient Safety Commons, Primary Care Commons
Submitted
January 13th, 2022
Accepted
March 14th, 2022
