A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals significant disparities in hypertension prevalence and treatment across neighborhoods in the United States. Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine found that the prevalence of hypertension increases with neighborhood disadvantage, highlighting stark racial and socioeconomic inequalities in cardiovascular health.
The study analyzed electronic health record data from 56,387 adults across 1,157 neighborhoods, linking it to the area deprivation index (ADI) at the U.S. Census Block Group level. Results showed a clear gradient of hypertension prevalence across ADI quintiles, with the highest ADI quintile neighborhoods experiencing nearly double the hypertension rate compared to the lowest quintile (50.7% vs 25.5%).
Racial disparities were particularly pronounced. In neighborhoods with predominantly Black patient populations, 63% had a hypertension rate exceeding 35% and a treatment rate below 70%. In contrast, only 11.8% of neighborhoods with 5% or fewer Black patients met the same criteria.
The study also revealed gender differences, with men consistently showing higher hypertension prevalence than women across all racial and ADI quintiles. However, the association between neighborhood disadvantage and hypertension risk was stronger in women.
Lead author Madeleine M. Blazel and colleagues emphasize the importance of these findings, stating, “The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest stark racial and neighborhood disparities in hypertension prevalence and antihypertensive treatment among adults in midlife.”
This research underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy changes to address health inequities in disadvantaged neighborhoods and communities of color. It also highlights the complex interplay between social determinants of health and cardiovascular outcomes, calling for a more comprehensive approach to public health strategies.
See: “Prevalence of hypertension increases with neighborhood disadvantage” (August 26, 2024)
