High Blood Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure: State of Knowledge Today and Implications for Prevention and Control of Epidemic Adult Cardiovascular Disease

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) with the World Hypertension League has established the 17th May to promote the prevention and control of High Blood Pressure (HBP). Currently nearly 1.13 billion of adults suffer from HBP (blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg) worldwide. While HBP prevalence decreased in high income countries (HIC) between 1975 and 2015, the opposite trend was observed in low- and middle- income countries (LMIC). Particularly, in Latin American and Caribbean countries the prevalence decreased from 40.6% to 26.8% and from 26.8% to 19.4% for men and women between 45 to 49 years old respectively. However, in 2015, HBP accounted for 8.9 of the total of disability adjusted life years (DALYS) and was associated with 4.9 million, 2.0 million and 1.5 million deaths due to ischemic heart disease, hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke respectively. Therefore, HBP is the leading cardiovascular risk factor worldwide. In Colombia, the last National Health Survey reported a global prevalence of 22.8% and nearly 60% for those between 60 and 69 years in 2007

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An Exploration of the Barriers in the Prevention and Control of High Blood Pressure Among West African Immigrants in Rhode Island

10.28971/532013un141 ◽

2013 ◽

Author(s):

Ntaobasi Udeh

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Rhode Island ◽

High Blood Pressure ◽

Prevention And Control ◽

African Immigrants ◽

West African ◽

Pressure Management ◽

West African Immigrants ◽

And Control

This is a report of a pilot study to explore the barriers to the prevention and control of high blood pressure by West African immigrants in Rhode Island. The incidence of high blood pressure is high in African Americans with many possible contributory factors documented. However, little is known about possible barriers to the control of high blood pressure among specific black ethnic populations such as West African immigrants living in Rhode Island. A qualitative research design employing a semi-structured interview was utilize to explore the issue. The barriers to high blood pressure management reported by these West Africans immigrants reported included: psychosocial stressors, inability to adopt lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, belief system, and a lack of complete adherence to medication regimen. The study also highlighted the fact that some primary care providers for these patients are not following the recommended interventions for the management of high blood pressure in people of black ancestry. The findings of this pilot study support the need for provider use of available treatment guidelines for population from black ancestry and the necessity for adequate patient education in the areas of stress management strategies and lifestyle modification as adjuncts to medication prescribed for high blood pressure management.

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