PREVALENCE, DETECTION, AND CONTROL OF HYPERTENSION IN A BIETHNIC COMMUNITY: THE SAN ANTONIO HEART STUDY

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Abstract
A survey was carried out on a random sample of 1,288 MexIcan Americans and 929 Anglos living In three socially distinct neighborhoods In San Antonio, Texas. Hypertension was defined as diastolic blood pressure ≥95 mmHg or currently taking antihypertensive medication. Overall age-adjusted prevalence rates of hypertension were similar for Mexican-American and Anglo men (10.0 and 9.8%, respectIvely); for women, the Mexican-American rate was slightly lower than that for Anglos (7.8 and 9.7%, respectIvely). After adjustment for obesity differences, Mexican Americans have a tendency toward lower hyperten sion rates than Angles of the same socioeconomic level. Only among women was a decline In the prevalence of hypertension with increasing socioeconomic status observed. Mexican Americans have a higher proportion of newly diagnosed hypertension, and, among previously diagnosed cases, a Lower proportion are on antihypertensive medIcation than Angios. The rates of hypertension control found In this survey are among the highest reported in the United States at the community level. Despite this, Mexican Americans sthi lag somewhat behind Angles of the same socioeconomIc level in awareness, treatment, and degree of hypertension control, suggesting the possibility of soclocuttural bafflers to ade quate medical care.