Authors

  1. Cayo , Sandy
  2. Colbert , Alison

Abstract

This narrative review found significant evidence supporting a positive association between perceived lifetime discrimination and blood pressure in Black adults. But the relationship isn't clearly understood, and future research should explore the underlying mechanisms and potential confounders. Priorities include more rigorous assessment of Black individuals' experiences with both lifetime and everyday discrimination and how these interact with confounders (such as stress), so that blood pressure control can be better achieved in this population. Specific areas for investigation include considering how we measure discrimination, the impact of provider bias and discrimination, and the impact of discrimination on medication adherence. This work is essential to developing the urgently needed, evidence-based interventions that will help to prevent racial and ethnic discrimination and mitigate its effects.