A recent study reveals significant disparities in hypertension control among different racial and ethnic groups across the United States. The research, conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, examined data from over 1.6 million veterans nationwide, including four US territories.
The findings show that hypertension control rates vary widely across geographic sectors and racial groups, ranging from 44.1% to 97.5%. Black veterans, followed by American Indian or Alaska Native veterans, exhibited the lowest mean control rates at 72.5% and 75.4%, respectively.
Notably, the study identified clusters of low hypertension control rates for Black veterans in specific regions, including the Pacific Northwest, Southwest, Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas. American Indian or Alaska Native veterans faced similar challenges in the West and Southwest.
Dr. Kimberly E. Lind, lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of these findings: “Understanding the degree to which healthcare access, versus other factors, produce these outcomes can inform policies and interventions to improve cardiovascular outcomes and reduce disparities.”
The research highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas with concentrations of low hypertension control rates. By addressing these geographic and racial disparities, healthcare providers and policymakers can work towards improving cardiovascular health outcomes for all Americans.
This study underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving health equity across racial and ethnic lines in the United States. As the nation continues to grapple with these disparities, focused efforts on improving hypertension control in vulnerable populations could lead to significant improvements in overall public health.
See: “Variation in Hypertension Control by Race and Ethnicity, and Geography in US Veterans” (January 10, 2025)
