Hypertension in Blacks: Unanswered Questions and Future Directions for the JHS (Jackson Heart Study).

Abstract

This report resulted from a working group assembled by the JHS (Jackson Heart Study) coordinating center as part of a symposium to identify, discuss, and refine key questions, related to hypertension in blacks, that can be addressed in the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)–sponsored study. The symposium and working group were assembled to assist in the preparation for the next phase of the JHS. The JHS is a longitudinal observational study designed to identify cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among blacks and to develop the infrastructure for training the next generation of health disparities researchers.1 Between 2000 and 2004, 5306 community-dwelling blacks, aged ≥21 years, were enrolled from the tricounty area of Jackson, MS. In addition to a baseline study visit, follow-up visits were conducted in 2005 to 2008 and 2009 to 2013. JHS participants are contacted annually by telephone to identify potential CVD events that are adjudicated by trained clinicians.2 Hypertension is more common in blacks than any other race/ethnic group in the United States.3 In addition, blacks have a higher incidence of hypertension-related CVD and end-stage renal disease than other race/ethnic groups in the United States.4,5 The hypertension working group thought broadly about essential research questions related to hypertension in blacks. We considered research questions that could be addressed through continued observational follow-up of the JHS cohort or by conducting interventions among JHS participants. The working group benefited from reviewing the NHLBI Strategic Vision and a recently published report from an NHLBI working group addressing research needs to improve hypertension treatment and control in blacks.6,7 Also, this report builds on the published work in the area of hypertension from the JHS (Table 1). Some of the suggestions from the working group require new study visits and are …