lack women have higher odds of uncontrolled BP than White women, even after accounting for social determinants of health (SDoH), according to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Lara Kovell, MD, and colleagues examined SDoH and BP control by race and ethnicity among 1,293 women aged 20-50 with
hypertension (59.2% White; 23.4% Black; 15.8% Hispanic; 1.7% Asian). Compared with White women, more Hispanic and Black women experienced food insecurity (32% and 25% vs 13%). Black women maintained higher odds of uncontrolled BP than White women after adjustment for SDoH, health factors, and modifiable health
behavior, while no difference was seen for Asian and Hispanic women. “Black women have higher odds of uncontrolled hypertension, even when SDoH are controlled for,” Dr. Kovell and colleagues wrote. “This potentially indicates a greater role for alternative factors, including racism and discrimination, which have affected daily life and
opportunities for generations.”
