Abstract
Hypertension is believed to be the most significant and modifiable risk factor for heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and end-stage renal disease. Hypertension management is of particular concern in the African Americans population, which is disproportionally affected by high blood pressure (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2010). African Americans are just as likely as whites to be aware of their hypertension however are less likely to be treated and to have their hypertension controlled (CDC, 2010).The purpose of this study is to identify the barriers that African American patients report in seeking treatment for hypertension with a secondary aim of determining the prevalence of those previously diagnosed with HTN who screen positive for high blood pressure.