Hypertension: inter-ethnic group variations and the role of nurses in reducing disparities in patient outcomes

Hypertension, often termed a ‘silent killer’, is the most common preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and a major cause of disability and death worldwide. In the UK, an estimated 16 million adults have hypertension, including approximately 5 million who live with undiagnosed hypertension. Despite the availability of effective treatments and lifestyle modifications, blood pressure (BP) control generally remains suboptimal, making nursing interventions such as BP monitoring, patient education and support for adhering to treatment essential. Inter-ethnic group variations in the age of onset, prevalence and severity of hypertension, as well as in the response to antihypertensive therapy, are well documented and thought to mostly reflect underlying biological differences. However, there are also clear disparities between ethnic groups in hypertension management and patient outcomes, which are driven by socioeconomic, structural and societal factors. Primary care nurses have a particular role in reducing disparities in outcomes between ethnic groups by incorporating culturally adapted interventions into their practice.