Delays in Hypertension Diagnosis Are Linked to Postponements in Medication Initiation

Recent research published in JAMA Network Open highlights that delays in diagnosing hypertension are common and are associated with significant setbacks in initiating treatment, which can increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The study, led by Yuan Lu and colleagues from Yale New Haven Hospital, examined how the timing of hypertension diagnosis impacts medication prescribing and long-term health results.

The retrospective cohort study analyzed data from adults aged 18 to 85 who had at least two outpatient blood pressure readings of 140/90 mm Hg or higher, spaced at least 30 days apart, between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2021. Out of over 300,000 patients, approximately 14.6% experienced a delayed diagnosis after their second elevated blood pressure reading.

Findings revealed that those with delayed diagnoses were significantly less likely to receive antihypertensive medication—only 30.6% compared to 75.2% in timely diagnoses—and faced a higher risk of cardiovascular events over five years. The study further identified factors linked to diagnostic delays, including younger age, female sex, and certain racial backgrounds, such as non-Hispanic Asian or non-Hispanic Black populations.

The authors emphasized that leveraging electronic health records could facilitate earlier recognition of hypertension, enabling prompt treatment and potentially reducing the risk of long-term cardiovascular problems. Several researchers involved in the study disclosed ties to the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

For more detailed information, see the original study: Yuan Lu et al, Delayed Hypertension Diagnosis and Its Association With Cardiovascular Treatment and Outcomes, JAMA Network Open (2025). Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-delays-hypertension-diagnosis-linked-medication.html