Open AccessDisparities in hypertension and cardiovascular disease in blacks: The critical role of medication adherence
Author(s) -
Ferdinand Keith C.,
Yadav Kapil,
Nasser Samar A.,
ClaytonJeter Helene D.,
Lewin John,
Cryer Dennis R.,
Senatore Fortunato Fred
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the journal of clinical hypertension
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.909
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1751-7176
pISSN - 1524-6175
DOI - 10.1111/jch.13089
Subject(s) - medicine , ethnic group , disease , medication adherence , stroke (engine) , rehabilitation , health equity , health care , gerontology , physical therapy , public health , nursing , mechanical engineering , sociology , economic growth , anthropology , engineering , economics
Blacks are two to three times as likely as whites to die of preventable heart disease and stroke. Declines in mortality from heart disease have not eliminated racial disparities. Control and effective treatment of hypertension, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, among blacks is less than in whites and remains a challenge. One of the driving forces behind this racial/ethnic disparity is medication nonadherence whose cause is embedded in social determinants. Eight practical approaches to addressing medication adherence with the potential to attenuate disparities were identified and include: (1) patient engagement strategies, (2) consumer‐directed health care, (3) patient portals, (4) smart apps and text messages, (5) digital pillboxes, (6) pharmacist‐led engagement, (7) cardiac rehabilitation, and (8) cognitive‐based behavior. However, while data suggest that these strategies may improve medication adherence, the effect on ameliorating racial/ethnic disparities is not certain. This review describes the relationship between disparities and medication adherence, which likely plays a role in persistent disparities in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.