Raising awareness of critical health impact of high blood pressure in underserved communities via early detection and education
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Start Date
30-4-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
30-4-2025 4:00 PM
Description
INTRODUCTION:
Blood pressure is a clinical measurement of arterial pressure, which reflects the pulsatile pressures that the body experiences as the heart pumps (WHO, 2023). High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition generally defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥130 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥80 mmHg (CDC, 2023). Persistent hypertension can cause damage to the arteries, heart, brain, kidneys, and retina. Literature suggests a correlation between lower socioeconomic status and higher prevalence of hypertension (Beckman, 2017). This disparity can be attributed to multiple factors such as limited access to healthcare, medication, education, or healthy/fresh food and elevated stress levels. Underserved communities and a lack of accessible healthcare has additionally been shown to lead to poorer control of an individual’s hypertension (Anstey, 2019) (Elnaem, 2022). Uncontrolled hypertension is well-established as a leading component of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and renal disease. The aim of this project is to mitigate health inequality through increased awareness, early detection, and proper management of hypertension.
METHODS:
We reached out to underserved communities in Philadelphia through the PCOM Sponsored Community-Based Research Project. Blood pressure screenings were offered to community participants. Questionnaires were distributed to identify risk factors associated with hypertension including age, medical history, current medication, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep patterns, exercise, dietary choices, and family history. Trained individuals obtained blood pressure measurements from participants using an Omron Gold BP Monitor. In the case of elevated blood pressure, measurements were repeated using a manual blood pressure cuff after 5 minutes of rest (Mayo, 2024). The average was then recorded. Additional information was provided regarding associated health risks and the importance of a healthy lifestyle for hypertension prevention and management.
Results:
In concordance with PCOM Hearts and Lancaster Healthcare Center, we have collected blood pressure data from 95 individuals so far. Returning individuals had multiple measurements recorded. Participants were grouped according to previous history of no hypertension or hypertension. Individuals who had elevated blood pressures during screening without previous diagnosis received additional advice on follow up with a physician. Participants were educated on the difference between normal blood pressure and hypertension. Participants were educated on how to take their blood pressure at home, with blood pressure monitors provided if they did not already have one.
Conclusion:
Hypertension is a significant public health concern that disproportionately affects populations of disadvantaged socioeconomic status. We are currently in the process of collecting further data and hope to analyze these results in the coming months. Future directions will include consideration of factors such as BMI impact on hypertension.
Embargo Period
5-20-2025
Raising awareness of critical health impact of high blood pressure in underserved communities via early detection and education
Philadelphia, PA
INTRODUCTION:
Blood pressure is a clinical measurement of arterial pressure, which reflects the pulsatile pressures that the body experiences as the heart pumps (WHO, 2023). High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition generally defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥130 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥80 mmHg (CDC, 2023). Persistent hypertension can cause damage to the arteries, heart, brain, kidneys, and retina. Literature suggests a correlation between lower socioeconomic status and higher prevalence of hypertension (Beckman, 2017). This disparity can be attributed to multiple factors such as limited access to healthcare, medication, education, or healthy/fresh food and elevated stress levels. Underserved communities and a lack of accessible healthcare has additionally been shown to lead to poorer control of an individual’s hypertension (Anstey, 2019) (Elnaem, 2022). Uncontrolled hypertension is well-established as a leading component of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and renal disease. The aim of this project is to mitigate health inequality through increased awareness, early detection, and proper management of hypertension.
METHODS:
We reached out to underserved communities in Philadelphia through the PCOM Sponsored Community-Based Research Project. Blood pressure screenings were offered to community participants. Questionnaires were distributed to identify risk factors associated with hypertension including age, medical history, current medication, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep patterns, exercise, dietary choices, and family history. Trained individuals obtained blood pressure measurements from participants using an Omron Gold BP Monitor. In the case of elevated blood pressure, measurements were repeated using a manual blood pressure cuff after 5 minutes of rest (Mayo, 2024). The average was then recorded. Additional information was provided regarding associated health risks and the importance of a healthy lifestyle for hypertension prevention and management.
Results:
In concordance with PCOM Hearts and Lancaster Healthcare Center, we have collected blood pressure data from 95 individuals so far. Returning individuals had multiple measurements recorded. Participants were grouped according to previous history of no hypertension or hypertension. Individuals who had elevated blood pressures during screening without previous diagnosis received additional advice on follow up with a physician. Participants were educated on the difference between normal blood pressure and hypertension. Participants were educated on how to take their blood pressure at home, with blood pressure monitors provided if they did not already have one.
Conclusion:
Hypertension is a significant public health concern that disproportionately affects populations of disadvantaged socioeconomic status. We are currently in the process of collecting further data and hope to analyze these results in the coming months. Future directions will include consideration of factors such as BMI impact on hypertension.