As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it's vital that we not only celebrate the profound contributions of Hispanic culture but also confront critical health issues affecting our community.
One of the most pressing issues is hypertension or high blood pressure. Hypertension is a silent and dangerous condition that significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke -- two of the leading causes of death in Florida.
There is a high prevalence of hypertension among Hispanics, with 44% currently living with the condition. We can no longer afford to ignore the urgency of this situation. As a hypertension specialist at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, I know that without immediate and sustained action, the consequences of uncontrolled hypertension will continue to worsen.
By 2035, it is projected that 25 million more Americans will develop hypertension. The time for a concerted effort is now, led by policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public to increase education and prevention.
There is a critical need for increased public awareness about the dangers of hypertension and the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring.
Action must be taken now to educate communities and empower individuals to take control of their health. Hypertension often results from factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and stress. Educating our community about these risk factors and promoting a healthy lifestyle are crucial for preventing the onset of hypertension.
For example, incorporating regular physical activity, such as daily walks, can also lower blood pressure by 20%.
Education about early detection and treatment is also vital. Once diagnosed, hypertension can be effectively managed with simple, low-cost medications. However, managing hypertension is not always straightforward. Genetic, dietary, and environmental factors, as well as the effects of aging on vascular adaptation, complicate treatment and often necessitate different medications as one ages.
These complexities mean that only 1 in 4 Americans with hypertension have their condition under control. Additionally, about one-third of Americans being treated for hypertension do not consistently adhere to their medication regimens. This underscores that awareness alone is not enough.
Education about early detection and treatment is also critical. Once diagnosed, hypertension can be effectively managed with simple, low-cost medications.
However, about one-third of Americans being treated forhypertension do not keep up with their medications, which is why awareness alone is not enough. The tools and treatments currently available are not adequately solving the hypertension problem. There is a pressing need for innovation in both medical treatments and healthcare delivery to better manage and reduce hypertension.
To address this ongoing crisis, new approaches and technologies must be developed and implemented. For instance, remote monitoring devices allow patients to track their blood pressure in real time, making them more likely to manage their condition proactively.
For patients in rural areas, devices like home cuffs, implantable sensors, and wearable technology can help link them to healthcare providers regardless of geographic barriers.
Policymakers play a crucial role in facilitating access to these innovations. One immediate step Congress can take is to ensure Medicare coverage of "breakthrough" medical devices. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a priority approval.
Yet, under current law, even if these devices are effective and win FDA approval, Medicare may not cover them. The Ensuring Patient Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act of 2023, a bipartisan bill recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, would address this issue.
It would guarantee all "breakthrough" devices four years of Medicare coverage, starting immediately upon FDA approval, while the program's decision-makers determine their permanent coverage status.
Education and prevention must be embraced as a community-wide effort that spans generations. Empowering Hispanic families to combat hypertension requires a collaborative approach.
We must come together to create supportive environments for education and prevention. The time to act is now.
Together, we can create a healthier future for the Hispanic community. For more information and how to contribute to this cause, please visit advancecardiohealth.org.