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Jones LM, Monroe KE, Tripathi P, Bashshur MJ, Kavalakatt J, Tarrance K, Mitchell J, Hawkins J. Empowering WHISE women: usability testing of a mobile application to enhance blood pressure control. Mhealth 2024; 10:26. [PMID: 39114460 PMCID: PMC11304098 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-24-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background High blood pressure (hypertension) disproportionately affects African American/Black (Black) women. Previous research suggests that self-managing hypertension may be challenging, yet mobile applications (apps) can help to empower patients and increase medication adherence. We developed questions to test the usability of evaluating the WHISE (Wellness, Hypertension, Information Sharing, Self-Management, Education) mobile app for Black women with hypertension. Methods Fifteen participants completed usability testing; five were potential app users (Black women with hypertension); each invited two of their peers to participate. Each testing session (n=5) included a brief overview of the app, time for participants to complete surveys and have an active discussion about the app (concurrent and retrospective think-aloud, concurrent and retrospective probing, per usability.gov), and observation of participants' body language during the session. Testing sessions were designed to familiarize participants with the app's features and examine their navigating ability. Results The app received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 80% of participants finding it to be a valuable tool in hypertension management. Participants praised the app's user-friendliness and educational value, with one stating, 'It is a good educational piece for helping people manage hypertension, at least to understand its basics.' Another participant highlighted the potential for community support, saying, 'Having a community, having some people to be accountable, to check in with and see how things are going, could encourage and motivate people to be more diligent about managing their hypertension.' Some participants also provided constructive feedback, suggesting font size adjustments (73%) and color scheme changes (60%) for certain screens. Conclusions Based on the feedback we received, we were able to mitigate the participants' concerns about font size and color and create tutorial videos to guide future users in using the app. We completed these changes prior to deploying the app in our randomized clinical controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenette M. Jones
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Korrey E. Monroe
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Priya Tripathi
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mary J. Bashshur
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Kierra Tarrance
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jamie Mitchell
- University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jaclynn Hawkins
- University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Hahka TM, Slotkowski RA, Akbar A, VanOrmer MC, Sembajwe LF, Ssekandi AM, Namaganda A, Muwonge H, Kasolo JN, Nakimuli A, Mwesigwa N, Ishimwe JA, Kalyesubula R, Kirabo A, Anderson Berry AL, Patel KP. Hypertension Related Co-Morbidities and Complications in Women of Sub-Saharan Africa: A Brief Review. Circ Res 2024; 134:459-473. [PMID: 38359096 PMCID: PMC10885774 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.324077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease in women, and sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries have some of the highest rates of hypertension in the world. Expanding knowledge of causes, management, and awareness of hypertension and its co-morbidities worldwide is an effective strategy to mitigate its harms, decrease morbidities and mortality, and improve individual quality of life. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) are a particularly important subset of hypertension, as pregnancy is a major stress test of the cardiovascular system and can be the first instance in which cardiovascular disease is clinically apparent. In SSA, women experience a higher incidence of HDP compared with other African regions. However, the region has yet to adopt treatment and preventative strategies for HDP. This delay stems from insufficient awareness, lack of clinical screening for hypertension, and lack of prevention programs. In this brief literature review, we will address the long-term consequences of hypertension and HDP in women. We evaluate the effects of uncontrolled hypertension in SSA by including research on heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease, and HDP. Limitations exist in the number of studies from SSA; therefore, we will use data from countries across the globe, comparing and contrasting approaches in similar and dissimilar populations. Our review highlights an urgent need to prioritize public health, clinical, and bench research to discover cost-effective preventative and treatment strategies that will improve the lives of women living with hypertension in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taija M Hahka
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology (T.M.H., A.L.A.B., K.P.P.), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
- Department of Pediatrics (T.M.H., R.A.S., A.A., M.C.V., A.L.A.B.), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Rebecca A Slotkowski
- Department of Pediatrics (T.M.H., R.A.S., A.A., M.C.V., A.L.A.B.), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Anum Akbar
- Department of Pediatrics (T.M.H., R.A.S., A.A., M.C.V., A.L.A.B.), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Matt C VanOrmer
- Department of Pediatrics (T.M.H., R.A.S., A.A., M.C.V., A.L.A.B.), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Lawrence Fred Sembajwe
- Department of Medical Physiology (L.F.S., A.M.S., A. Namaganda, H.M., J.N.K., R.K.), Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Abdul M Ssekandi
- Department of Medical Physiology (L.F.S., A.M.S., A. Namaganda, H.M., J.N.K., R.K.), Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Agnes Namaganda
- Department of Medical Physiology (L.F.S., A.M.S., A. Namaganda, H.M., J.N.K., R.K.), Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Haruna Muwonge
- Department of Medical Physiology (L.F.S., A.M.S., A. Namaganda, H.M., J.N.K., R.K.), Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Josephine N Kasolo
- Department of Medical Physiology (L.F.S., A.M.S., A. Namaganda, H.M., J.N.K., R.K.), Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Annettee Nakimuli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A. Nakimuli), Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Naome Mwesigwa
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (N.M., J.A.I., A.K.)
| | - Jeanne A Ishimwe
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (N.M., J.A.I., A.K.)
| | - Robert Kalyesubula
- Department of Medical Physiology (L.F.S., A.M.S., A. Namaganda, H.M., J.N.K., R.K.), Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Annet Kirabo
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (N.M., J.A.I., A.K.)
| | - Ann L Anderson Berry
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology (T.M.H., A.L.A.B., K.P.P.), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
- Department of Pediatrics (T.M.H., R.A.S., A.A., M.C.V., A.L.A.B.), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Kaushik P Patel
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology (T.M.H., A.L.A.B., K.P.P.), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
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Bridi L, Albahsahli B, Bencheikh N, Baker DA, Godino JG, O'Laughlin KN, Al-Rousan T. Barriers and facilitators to self-measured blood pressure monitoring among US-resettled Arab refugees with hypertension: a qualitative study. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2023; 24:256. [PMID: 38036967 PMCID: PMC10687832 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02215-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minoritized communities including refugees are at an increased risk of poorly controlled hypertension. Evidence indicates that self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP) is an effective method to improve blood pressure control in patients with hypertension. However, it has not been studied among refugee populations. The objective of this study is to examine barriers and facilitators to SMBP among Arab refugees resettled in the United States (US) with diagnosed hypertension. METHODS A total of 109 participants were recruited through a Federally Qualified Health Center system that is a major provider of healthcare to refugees in San Diego, California. Participants completed a questionnaire and were interviewed using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and translated, and data were coded using inductive thematic analysis and organized based on the theory of care-seeking behavior. RESULTS Several barriers to engaging in effective SMBP monitoring were identified. Clinical and sociodemographic barriers included reliance on public monitors and poor hypertension literacy. Psychosocial barriers of affect, norms, and habits included fear and anxiety from hypertension, cultural stigma of illness, and conditional SMBP with symptoms, respectively. Utility psychosocial barriers included lack of SMBP prioritization in treatment and perceived inaccuracy of home monitors. Family members' support with home monitoring served as an important facilitator to SMBP. CONCLUSIONS There are several barriers to effective SMBP among the US-resettled Arab refugee population that may reflect unique cultural and care-seeking behaviors. Tailored public health and clinical interventions are needed to support refugee patients and providers to improve hypertension self-management behaviors for this unique population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Bridi
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Behnan Albahsahli
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Nissma Bencheikh
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Dania Abu Baker
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Job G Godino
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- Laura Rodriguez Research Institute, Family Health Centers of San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kelli N O'Laughlin
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tala Al-Rousan
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Findley CA, Cox MF, Lipson AB, Bradley R, Hascup KN, Yuede C, Hascup ER. Health disparities in aging: Improving dementia care for Black women. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1107372. [PMID: 36845663 PMCID: PMC9947560 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1107372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In the United States, 80% of surveyed Black patients report experiencing barriers to healthcare for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), delaying the time-sensitive treatment of a progressive neurodegenerative disease. According to the National Institute on Aging, Black study participants are 35% less likely to be given a diagnosis of ADRD than white participants, despite being twice as likely to suffer from ADRD than their white counterparts. Prior analysis of prevalence for sex, race, and ethnicity by the Centers for Disease Control indicated the highest incidence of ADRD in Black women. Older (≥65 years) Black women are at a disproportionately high risk for ADRD and yet these patients experience distinct inequities in obtaining clinical diagnosis and treatment for their condition. To that end, this perspective article will review a current understanding of biological and epidemiological factors that underlie the increased risk for ADRD in Black women. We will discuss the specific barriers Black women face in obtaining access to ADRD care, including healthcare prejudice, socioeconomic status, and other societal factors. This perspective also aims to evaluate the performance of intervention programs targeted toward this patient population and offer possible solutions to promote health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleigh A Findley
- Department of Neurology, Dale and Deborah Smith Center for Alzheimer's Research and Treatment, Neuroscience Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - MaKayla F Cox
- Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Adam B Lipson
- Department of Neurology, Dale and Deborah Smith Center for Alzheimer's Research and Treatment, Neuroscience Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States.,Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - RaTasha Bradley
- Department of Neurology, Dale and Deborah Smith Center for Alzheimer's Research and Treatment, Neuroscience Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - Kevin N Hascup
- Department of Neurology, Dale and Deborah Smith Center for Alzheimer's Research and Treatment, Neuroscience Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States.,Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - Carla Yuede
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Erin R Hascup
- Department of Neurology, Dale and Deborah Smith Center for Alzheimer's Research and Treatment, Neuroscience Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
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Konlan KD, Shin J. Determinants of Self-Care and Home-Based Management of Hypertension: An Integrative Review. Glob Heart 2023; 18:16. [PMID: 36968303 PMCID: PMC10038107 DOI: 10.5334/gh.1190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients with hypertension should perform diverse self-care activities that incorporate medication adherence and lifestyle modification, such as no smoking or alcohol, weight reduction, a low-salt diet, increased physical activity, increased self-monitoring, and stress reduction, for effective management at home. Aim This systematic review assessed and synthesized the factors that are associated with self-care and home-based management of hypertension. Methods The search of the articles incorporated the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) framework. The literature was searched in four databases (PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL], Embase, and Web of Science) until 2022. The articles retrieved and searched from the reference list (531) were transported to EndNote version 20, and duplicates (19) were identified and removed to produce 512 titles. Following the eventual title, abstracts, and full-text screening, 13 articles were appropriate for this study. The narrative and thematic data analysis were used to analyze and integrate the data. Results The analysis showed five themes were associated with home-based self-care and blood pressure (BP) control among patients diagnosed with hypertension. These themes that emerged were (1) the prevalence of control of BP, (2) sociodemographic factors, (3) treatment-related factors, (4) knowledge of management, and (5) knowledge of the prevention of risk factors of hypertension. The demographic factors influencing home-based self-care for hypertension were gender, age, and socioeconomic status. In contrast, the treatment factors were duration of hypertension treatment, medication burden, and medication adherence. Other factors that influenced self-care were inadequate knowledge of BP management, follow-up care, and risk factors of hypertension. Conclusion Hypertension self-care interventions must incorporate individual, societal, and cultural perspectives in increasing knowledge and improving home-based hypertension management. Therefore, well-designed clinical and community-dwelling interventions should integrate personal, social, and cultural perspectives to improve behavior in the home management of hypertension by increasing knowledge and self-efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy Diema Konlan
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Nursing, 50-1, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Department of Public Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Jinhee Shin
- College of Nursing, Woosuk University, Jeollabuk-do, 55338, Korea
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Malinowska JK, Żuradzki T. Towards the multileveled and processual conceptualisation of racialised individuals in biomedical research. SYNTHESE 2022; 201:11. [PMID: 36591336 PMCID: PMC9795162 DOI: 10.1007/s11229-022-04004-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we discuss the processes of racialisation on the example of biomedical research. We argue that applying the concept of racialisation in biomedical research can be much more precise, informative and suitable than currently used categories, such as race and ethnicity. For this purpose, we construct a model of the different processes affecting and co-shaping the racialisation of an individual, and consider these in relation to biomedical research, particularly to studies on hypertension. We finish with a discussion on the potential application of our proposition to institutional guidelines on the use of racial categories in biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tomasz Żuradzki
- Institute of Philosophy & Interdisciplinary Centre for Ethics, Jagiellonian University, ul. Grodzka 52, 31-044 Kraków, Poland
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7
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Li C, Hu M, Yang T, Shao X, Zheng D. Correlates of stigma for poststroke patients: A meta-analysis. J Clin Nurs 2022; 32:1952-1962. [PMID: 35181955 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS A meta-analysis was carried out to review and identify correlates of stigma in poststroke patients. BACKGROUND Patients suffer from impaired physical functions and sequelae of stroke. Stroke-related stigma hinders the recovery process and produces poorer clinical outcomes of stroke, leading to compromised quality of life. DESIGN A systematic review and meta-analysis was reported by following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. REVIEW METHODS Nine databases were searched from their inception to May 2021 to identify studies focused on the relationships among demographics, disease-related factors, psychosocial factors and poststroke stigma. Included studies were assessed by using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) scale. The statistical software R studios were used to perform statistical analysis. RESULTS Nineteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Four demographic factors (age, caregiver, residence, monthly income), seven stroke-related characteristics (type of stroke, mRS, ADLs, stroke duration, recurrence, sequelae, chronic disease comorbidity) and three psychosocial factors (depression, social support, quality of life) showed significant associations with stroke-related stigma. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study can serve as a foundation for designing interventions to reduce stigma and improve the overall quality of life of poststroke patients and may produce positive clinical outcomes. Healthcare professionals should be aware of stroke patients who are characterised by correlates of stigma. Relevance to clinical practice Poststroke patients showed a moderate-to-high level of stigma, and this issue warrants more attention. This review provides a preliminary foundation for healthcare professionals to develop interventions to address stroke-related stigma by focusing on demographic, disease-related and psychosocial factors. Additionally, stigma identification should be a part of clinical nursing evaluation. The involvement of clinical and community nursing is very important to screen stroke-related stigma and pay attention to this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Li
- Neurology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guang Dong, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingyue Hu
- Department of Nursing, XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Neurosurgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guang Dong, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinmei Shao
- Neurology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guang Dong, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongxiang Zheng
- Neurology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guang Dong, Guangzhou, China
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Gandotra C, Basam M, Mahajan A, Ngwa J, Ortega G, Tran D, Fullum TM, Sherif ZA. Characteristics and resolution of hypertension in obese African American bariatric cohort. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1683. [PMID: 33462353 PMCID: PMC7814052 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81360-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Weight reduction continues to be first-line therapy in the treatment of hypertension (HTN). However, the long-term effect of bariatric malabsorptive surgical techniques such as Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) surgery in the management of hypertension (HTN) is less clear. African Americans (AA) are disproportionately affected by obesity and hypertension and have inconsistent outcomes after bariatric surgery (BS). Despite a plethora of bariatric literature, data about characteristics of a predominantly AA bariatric hypertensive cohort including hypertension in obese (HIO) are scarce and underreported. The aims of this study were, (1) to describe the preoperative clinical characteristics of HIO with respect to HTN status and age, and (2) to identify predictors of HTN resolution one year after RYGB surgery in an AA bariatric cohort enrolled at the Howard University Center for Wellness and Weight Loss Surgery (HUCWWS). In the review of 169 AA bariatric patients, the average BMI was 48.50 kg/m2 and the average age was 43.86 years. Obese hypertensive patients were older (46 years vs. 37.89 years; p < .0001); had higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM, 43.09% vs. 10.87%; p < .0001) and dyslipidemia (38.2% vs. 13.04%; p 0.002). Hypertensive AA who were taking ≥ 2 antihypertensive medications prior to RYGB were 18 times less likely to experience HTN resolution compared to hypertensive AA taking 0-1 medications, who showed full or partial response. Also, HIO was less likely to resolve after RYGB surgery in patients who needed ≥ 2 antihypertensive medications prior to surgical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Gandotra
- Department of Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Motahar Basam
- Department of Surgery, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ankit Mahajan
- Department of Cardiology, Hartford Healthcare, Putnam, CT, USA
| | - Julius Ngwa
- Department of Medicine, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Gezzer Ortega
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Tran
- Department of Surgery, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Terrence M Fullum
- Department of Surgery, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Zaki A Sherif
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, 20059, USA.
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