A Conceptual Approach to Address the Issue of Hypertension in African Americans Living in South West Philadelphia

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death, globally.1 About 68 percent of the cardiovascular diseases are associated with hypertension in adults. Hypertension is asymptomatic in the early stage and shows symptoms only when it worsens.2 Therefore, it is essential to educate the patient about the disease’s nature and the ill effects of untreated hypertension. According to statistics provided by national data, among the 10 largest counties in U.S where the prevalence of hypertension is common, adult hypertension is most common in Philadelphia. The community health assessment provided by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) states that the prevalence of hypertension is more common among African Americans residing in the Southwest Philadelphia. In addition to that it states that more than 37.5% of the adult residing in Philadelphia has been diagnosed with Hypertension.3 The main aim of the proposed project is to develop an intervention for treating, controlling and early detection of hypertension in African American’s (AA) over the age of 40years in Southwest Philadelphia.