Presentation description

Hypertension is one of the primary risk factors contributing to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including related premature morbidity and mortality. Risk factors for hypertension include lifestyle factors such as, high sodium diets, tobacco exposure, as well as genetics, and older age. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) recently updated its hypertension diagnosis guidelines in 2017 which aligns with many of the updated recommendations of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association. Hypertension in the VHA is now diagnosed at 130 mmHg systolic and 90 mmHg diastolic blood pressure. Diagnosing hypertension at a lower threshold not only increases the number of individuals with hypertension but, more importantly, helps to promote earlier initiation of antihypertensive treatment, delaying CVD. This study aims to identify significant differences in the initial treatment and management of blood pressure in African American and Veterans of other race/ethnicities achieving controlled blood pressure after initial treatment. Identifying racial disparity gaps is essential to treating and managing hypertension to prevent related comorbidities. To accomplish this, we will conduct a retrospective cohort study, to evaluate blood pressure control one year following treatment initiation. The study will be conducted with nationwide data already collected by the VHA's electronic health record system. Participants in this study will include individuals over 18 years old, seeking care at the VHA, and having a hypertension diagnosis. We will identify if there is a statistically significant difference in blood pressure control post-treatment initiation across race/ethnic groups.