A recent study from Yale University has revealed a troubling trend: hospitalizations for severe spikes in blood pressure among older adults in the United States have more than doubled over the past 20 years.
This is despite ongoing nationwide efforts to improve blood pressure control and reduce related health risks.
The research focused on Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older, analyzing data from 1999 to 2019. It found that the annual hospitalization rate for acute hypertension—a sudden and dangerous rise in blood pressure—grew by 5.6% overall during this period.
The increase was even more pronounced among Black Americans, who saw a 6% rise in hospitalizations and had rates three times higher than other groups between 2017 and 2019.
Geographically, the South had the highest hospitalization rates, consistent with the “stroke belt,” a region identified in medical studies as having a higher prevalence of stroke and related conditions.
These severe blood pressure spikes, known as hypertensive emergencies, can lead to life-threatening complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and damage to other vital organs.
The study’s authors emphasize the need for immediate intervention and better preventative strategies to address this growing issue.
Blood pressure is considered elevated when systolic readings consistently reach 130 mm Hg or higher, or diastolic readings hit 80 mm Hg or higher, according to the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
While treatments and public health initiatives have focused on managing chronic high blood pressure, these findings suggest that more targeted efforts are needed to prevent sudden and dangerous episodes.
The findings underscore the importance of addressing health disparities.
Black Americans not only experience higher rates of hospitalization but may also face systemic barriers to accessing consistent and effective hypertension management. Addressing these inequities could significantly reduce the risk of emergencies.
The study was led by Yuan Lu and published in Circulation. It highlights the urgent need for improved public health strategies, particularly in high-risk populations and regions, to curb this alarming trend.
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