Hypertension in the Hispanic-American population.

According to the 1988 census, there are 19.4 million Hispanics living in the United States. They represent 8.1 percent of the nation's population, and that percentage is expected to rise significantly in the next 25 years. Demographic projections indicate that Hispanics will become the largest minority group in the United States by the year 2000, yet they remain a seriously understudied population. This article examines available clinical data, epidemiologic findings, and sociologic observations regarding the incidence of hypertension in this minority group and summarizes what is known about the detection, evaluation, treatment, and control of high blood pressure in Hispanics. In addition, the preliminary results of a multi-center, placebo-controlled trial comparing the efficacy and safety of a potassium-sparing diuretic (Dyazide; Smith Kline & French Laboratories) in Hispanic-American patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension are presented.