Race Disparities in Hypertension Prevalence Among Older Men

Abstract

This study aimed to examine whether hypertension prevalence varies by race/ethnicity and within age groups in a nationally representative sample of men in the United States. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure (BP) readings of 140 mm Hg and higher for systolic BP, 90 mm Hg and higher for diastolic BP, or self-reports of taking medication for hypertension. Modified Poisson models estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for race and age group associations with hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension was 38% overall and 46% of the men were aged 50 and older. Analyses that focused on older men (50 years of age or older) found that non-Hispanic Black men had a higher prevalence of hypertension (PR  =  1.28, 95% CI: 1.19 − 1.37) compared to non-Hispanic White men. We suggest future research utilize life course perspectives to better identify which cumulative experiences impact hypertension disparities.