ABSTRACT
In 2020, COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death in the US, with increased hospitalizations and mortality linked to factors such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, higher social vulnerability, and lower socioeconomic status. These multiple factors contribute to inequities in COVID-19 outcomes, including among older persons, members of racial/ethnic populations, and persons experiencing homelessness. Perhaps the best pathway to overcome the distressing high degree of death and disability due to COVID-19 has shown to be immunization with widespread acceptance, uptake, and vaccine access. Especially in racial/ethnic communities, it is important to utilize trusted leaders to overcome common vaccine misconceptions and barriers. This commentary summarizes the keynote lecture given to the Cardiometabolic Health Congress (CMHC) addressing the intersection of social injustice, cardiovascular and cardiometabolic disparities, and increased COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in racial/ethnic populations in the US.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Hypertension (HTN) is the most prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) worldwide, affecting 1.39 billion people. This review discusses recent literature regarding the global burden of HTN and emerging concepts in prevalence, treatment, and control in different regions around the globe. RECENT FINDINGS: Community-based interventions and telemedicine may be useful in increasing access to care and identifying/assisting patients with HTN, especially in populations with geographical and economic barriers to healthcare. Home blood pressure monitoring is beneficial for HTN control in diverse regions. Polypills have proven benefits to decrease HTN and CVD risk. Continuation of treatment with angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers in high risk COVID-19 patients appears appropriate. SUMMARY: Extensive research demonstrates that early screening/treatment, lifestyle modification, and pharmacotherapy are essential to control HTN worldwide. This review highlights recent research and novel concepts on effective interventions being used globally.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Hypertension , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors , Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory , Humans , Hypertension/diagnosis , Hypertension/drug therapy , Hypertension/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
Influenza is a contagious respiratory virus that causes a significant annual health burden in the United States (US). In spite of effective yearly vaccinations to protect individuals against influenza-related health complications, especially with certain chronic co-morbid illnesses, persistent racial/ethnic disparities exist in influenza immunization. African Americans continue to experience low vaccination uptake, stemming, at least in part, from years of bias in and mistrust of orthodox medicine, safety concerns, and environmental barriers to vaccine access. The novel respiratory coronavirus, SARS-CoV2, causes COVID-19, leading to a pandemic that in the U.S. has exerted severe physical, psychological, and economic tolls on the African Americans and other disadvantaged communities. These two respiratory-borne virus' cause disparate effects in the black community, unmasking persistent disparities in healthcare. Unfortunately, suboptimal influenza immunization acceptance exacerbates flu-related adverse health outcomes, similar to difficulties from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In consideration of the impending influenza-COVID-19 "twindemic", robust educational campaigns, policy initiatives, and novel approaches to influenza immunization must be considered for the African American community to build trust in the health benefits of the influenza vaccination and, ultimately, to trust in the health benefits of potential SARS-CoV2 vaccines, when available for the general public.