Target organ damage in black hypertensives.

A representative sample of black hypertensives has been appraised to determine candidacy for hypertension treatment. A total of 1759 black residents were successfully screened at home. Forty-one percent of the males and 33% of the females had diastolic blood pressures of 95 mm Hg or greater. They were invited for secondary screening along with those hypertensives controlled on therapy. Clinical and laboratory evidence of cardiovascular disease was common among examined patients who were studied to determine their eligibility for therapy based on criteria of elevated blood pressure (greater than 104 mm Hg) at two visits, or evidence of end organ damage at lowere blood pressure levels. Of patients previously aware of their hypertension but not on therapy, 88% of the males and 67% of the females were considered candidates for therapy. Of patients not previously aware of their elevated blood pressure, 72% of the males and 67% of the females were considered candidates.