Reduction of hypertension-associated heart disease and stroke among black Americans: past experience and new perspectives on targeting resources.
Over the past two decades, national hypertension-control programs and policies have focused on early diagnosis and management. Measured by intermediate results--such as percentages of cases now taking medication--these efforts have been markedly successful, especially among black hypertensives. The ultimate measure of success--reduction in hypertension-associated disease and death--must address the one-third excess prevalent among blacks. Biologic and age-specific variables in diagnosis and treatment must be accommodated. Future gains in efficient use of resources and equity in outcome will require use of new technologies and models of targeting.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044383:Black People; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends; D014481:United States; D001741:Black or African American