What is going on with hypertension crisis in the US?

Hypertension in the United States disproportionately impacts racial and ethnic minority groups, with Black adults experiencing higher rates of the condition compared to their White counterparts, despite similar levels of awareness and treatment. Similarly, Hispanic adults face lower awareness and treatment rates compared to White adults, even though their prevalence of hypertension is comparable. Asian Americans also show lower levels of awareness compared to White Americans, despite having similar rates of both prevalence and treatment.

The increasing prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension underscores the urgent need for targeted public health interventions that specifically address these disparities, especially within racial and ethnic communities.

What are the treatment options available to those that have hypertension?

According to guidelines from Georgetown University Medical Center, managing hypertension involves a range of effective medications, each playing a specific role in treatment, with their own benefits and potential side effects.

• Diuretics: Thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, are typically the first choice, particularly for older adults and those with diabetes. They effectively lower blood pressure and help enhance the action of other antihypertensive medications, although they may lead to potassium loss.

• ACE Inhibitors (ACEIs): Medications like lisinopril and ramipril are highly effective with minimal side effects, making them well-suited for patients with both hypertension and diabetes or chronic kidney disease. However, they can cause a persistent cough and may result in temporary increases in kidney function markers.

• Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Drugs like losartan and valsartan work by blocking angiotensin II and are generally well-tolerated, with a lower risk of side effects like coughing compared to ACE inhibitors.

• Beta Blockers: Medications like metoprolol and atenolol are effective for managing blood pressure, particularly in patients recovering from a heart attack, but they can have side effects that may impact quality of life.

• Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs): Drugs such as amlodipine and diltiazem are effective at lowering blood pressure, especially in older adults and those with diabetes, although they may cause side effects like ankle swelling.

Which healthcare systems (hospitals and software - EPIC, Cerner, Athena) prescribe hypertension treatment based on race?

A UCSF study challenges race-based prescribing practices for hypertension, which historically recommended that Black patients receive a limited range of medications, such as thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers, while other racial groups were offered broader options like ACE inhibitors or ARBs. The study found no clear benefit to this approach, showing that Black patients often had worse blood pressure control, even when prescribed these restricted medications. The authors argue that treatment should be personalized, based on individual needs, rather than race. Factors such as medication adherence and lifestyle are much more important for managing hypertension. The study concludes that race-based prescribing practices may limit access to the most effective treatments, ultimately worsening health outcomes.

Which companies are building AI technology to treat hypertension?

As of October 2024, several innovative companies are making notable advancements in the field of hypertension, developing cutting-edge solutions to better monitor and manage high blood pressure.

• PreventScripts (USA) is an automated prevention management platform designed to enable primary care providers to offer and monetize preventive care. By leveraging behavior change science, a mobile app, and advanced analytics, the platform helps track patient health and supports remote preventive care initiatives.

• Ablative Solutions (USA) is pioneering a treatment for hypertension using Transcatheter Perivascular Alcohol Denervation. This method disrupts sympathetic nerve activity, which contributes to high blood pressure, offering a potentially transformative solution for patients with resistant hypertension.

• Dynocardia Inc. (USA) is focused on developing an accurate, continuous blood pressure monitor. Their proprietary optics-based technology measures systolic and diastolic blood pressure without the need for a cuff, providing a more precise and non-invasive solution for long-term blood pressure monitoring.

How much investment money has gone into companies treating hypertension/heart disease?

Investment in companies focused on hypertension and heart disease has surged in recent years, reflecting the growing global burden of cardiovascular diseases. In 2019 alone, over $2 billion was invested in the cardiovascular sector, with both pharmaceutical and medtech companies drawing significant attention. Major players like Pfizer, Novartis, and AstraZeneca are dedicating substantial resources to developing new treatments for heart disease, while companies such as Boston Scientific and Medtronic continue to expand through acquisitions. The digital health sector, including wearables and remote monitoring tools, is also attracting increased funding as part of efforts to manage conditions like hypertension and heart failure more effectively. In fact, the hypertension market was valued at $22 billion in 2020, and the heart failure treatment market at $14 billion—both sectors are expected to grow considerably in the coming years.