Study Highlights the Importance of Ethnicity in Hypertension Treatment

Recent findings from a pioneering clinical trial emphasize the significance of personalized approaches in managing hypertension. Presented at the ESC Congress 2025 in Madrid, the AIM-HY INFORM trial, conducted in the UK and involving 829 participants from Black, South Asian, and White backgrounds, revealed notable differences in blood pressure medication responses among ethnic groups. The study shows that factors like blood chemical composition, particularly plasma renin levels, influence how individuals respond to various antihypertensive drugs.

The results support the idea that tailoring hypertension treatment according to ethnicity can improve effectiveness and outcomes. For instance, Black patients typically have lower plasma renin levels, which might affect their response to certain medications. The trial confirmed that ethnicity impacts the effectiveness of both single-drug and combination therapies, underscoring the need for personalized medicine in blood pressure management.

The research also pointed out that current guidelines might need revision, especially regarding the recommended two-drug diuretic combination, which is effective but not yet formally endorsed across all ethnicities. Overall, these insights could lead to more targeted, cost-effective treatments and better health outcomes for over 7 million individuals of Black and South Asian descent in the UK who suffer from hypertension.

Hypertension remains one of the leading risk factors for heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and premature death, affecting one in three adults globally. Often symptomless, it can be managed effectively through regular monitoring, lifestyle changes, and medication. The study’s findings pave the way for more individualized treatment protocols, potentially reducing the burden of this silent but serious condition.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-ethnicity-key-hypertension-treatment.html