An African American Woman with Controlled Hypertension

Ms. M is a 62-year-old African American woman with high blood pressure for 20 years, currently well-controlled. She works as a teacher (Pre-K), and socioeconomic status is middle-class. Every day, she takes her medication and monitors her blood pressure with an electronic blood pressure monitor.

• Family History: Hypertension, Diabetes

• Past Medical History: High Cholesterol, Prediabetes

• Medications: Losartan 25 mg tablets daily , Pravastatin 20 mg tablets daily

• Dietary Supplements: Triple Magnesium Complex 400 mg capsules Cod Liver Oil Capsules 300 mg Turmeric Curcumin with Bioprene 2600 mg capsules Centrum Silver Multivitamins

Interview:

Q: What difficulties do you experience when remembering to take your medication?

A: Uncertain if she took the medication, currently uses a pillbox.

Q: How often do you follow-up with a primary care physician for the management of your disease?

A: Every year.

Q: What adverse reactions are you experiencing when taking the medication?

A: None.

Q: What lifestyle modifications do you implement to manage your disease?

A: Power walks 30 minutes every day. Replaces table salt with Pink Himalayan salt.

Q: How do you feel about your medications, do you believe they work well to treat your disorder?

A: Believes medications are effective.

Q: What obstacles do you experience when managing your disease?

A: No obstacles.

Q: Do you believe you can continue managing your disease? What problems do you foresee that may prevent you from achieving optimal care?

A: Yes! However, old age and memory loss may cause her to skip doses of medication.