Are Racial Differences in Antihypertensive Responsiveness Reflected in Usage After Stroke?

Abstract

We sought to evaluate whether differential antihypertensive responsiveness in blacks is reflected in discharge antihypertensive prescription patterns among patients hospitalized with an ischemic cerebrovascular event. We analyzed use of discharge antihypertensive medications among patients hospitalized with an ischemic cerebrovascular event in the California Acute Stroke Prototype Registry, examining rates in black patients compared with all other races combined. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify factors independently associated with receipt of any antihypertensive medication overall and with use of specific types of antihypertensives. Data were collected on 794 consecutive patients treated at 11 hospitals. No significant differences were observed between rates of antihypertensive use in black patients (74%) when compared with all others (69%), either for overall use or for any specific category of antihypertensive, although there was a trend toward more frequent use of diuretics in black patients (P = .12). Results were similar when analysis was limited to those with a history of hypertension. In spite of a known differential response to antihypertensives in blacks, we found no differences in discharge antihypertensive prescription patterns in black patients hospitalized with transient ischemic attack and ischemic stroke compared with other races.