A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals significant racial and ethnic disparities in shared decision-making (SDM) among patients with hypertension. The study, part of the RICH LIFE Project, analyzed data from 1,426 participants with uncontrolled hypertension, predominantly non-Latino Black individuals.
The findings indicate that non-Latino Black patients had higher SDM scores compared to non-Latino White patients, yet disparities in hypertension control persist. Despite higher SDM scores, Black and Latino patients continue to face challenges in managing their blood pressure effectively. The study highlights that adherence to antihypertensive medication is lower among Black (36%) and Latino (34%) patients compared to White patients (44%).
Dr. Sabrina Elias, the lead author, emphasized the importance of understanding these disparities to improve hypertension care. She noted that factors such as education level, hypertension knowledge, and patient activation significantly influence SDM and blood pressure outcomes. The study found that patients with higher SDM scores experienced greater reductions in systolic blood pressure over 12 months.
The report calls for targeted interventions to address these disparities and enhance SDM practices among minority patients. By focusing on patient education and activation, healthcare providers can better align hypertension care with the needs of diverse populations, ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of hypertension-related diseases.
See: “Racial and Ethnic Differences in Shared Decision Making Among Patients With Hypertension” (April 30, 2025)