Authors: Ferdinand, Keith C; Ferdinand, Daphne P

Source: Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy, Volume 6, Number 10, November 2008 , pp. 1357-1366(10)

Publisher: Expert Reviews

Abstract:

Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which includes coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke. This article examines the possible benefits and potential pitfalls of utilizing race-based categories for antihypertensive therapy. Although the use of race and ethnicity to guide antihypertensive treatment is fraught with difficulty and is, to a large extent, inadequate, there may be benefit in recognizing specific aspects of race and ethnicity when approaching patients with hypertension. Evidence from clinical trials, including drug efficacy and safety comparisons and cardiovascular outcomes, has demonstrated some differences based on race/ethnicity. American federal standards strongly encourage capturing data on race/ethnicity, and most of the current data are available for self-described African-Americans. International studies increasingly identify race/ethnicity, although the data are not as robust as in US trials. Current guidelines recommend thiazide diuretics and/or long-acting calcium channel blockers as initial treatment for Blacks, although medications for compelling indications agents should be prescribed, regardless of race/ethnicity.

Keywords: African-Americans; Asians; disparities; ethnicity; Hispanics; hypertension; minorities race; renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1586/14779072.6.10.1357

Affiliations: 1: Clinical Professor, Division of Cardiology, Emory University; and, Chief Science Officer, Association of Black Cardiologists, 5355 Hunter Road, Atlanta, GA 30080, USA., Email: kferdinand@abcardio.org

Publication date: 2008-11-01

More about this publication?

• Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy provides expert commentary on the clinical applications of the new medicines, therapeutic agents and diagnostics in cardiovascular disease. Coverage inculdes drug therapy, heart disease, vascular disorders, hypertension, cholesterol in cardiovascular disease, heart disease, stroke, heart failure and cardiovascular surgery.
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