The selected topic for this study is “High Blood Pressure Among African American Children Aged 13 to 18”. High blood pressure remains a major health issue affecting many people in different parts of the globe. Past studies have also indicated that this health challenge has gone unnoticed in many children. This fact explains why children should be described as an ignored population when it comes to the problem of high blood pressure. Brady et al. (2015) indicate that hypertension in children has increased significantly within the past few decades. This problem explains why cardiovascular health in children has become a critical issue today.
Lessons from the Article
The article “Real-Time Electronic Medical Record Alerts Increase High Blood Pressure Recognition in Children” explores the problem of hypertension in children. Several lessons and ideas can be identified from the article. The authors begin by arguing that pediatric hypertension is a major problem that has been ignored for many years. Healthcare practitioners in pediatric settings have continued to encounter numerous obstacles whenever providing care to their patients. As well, the article indicates that “routine blood pressure (BP) measurement has remained extremely low in different healthcare settings” (Brady et al., 2015, p. 667). This has been the case despite the fact that pediatric hypertension still remains high. The use of an effective “electronic medical record (EMR) alert can increase the recognition of elevated blood pressure in pediatric primary care settings” (Brady et al., 2015, p. 667).
The researchers observed that the rate of elevated BP recognition increased from 12.5 to over 42 percent during the study (Brady et al., 2015). This strategy made it easier for many healthcare providers to identify the major risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The authors therefore embrace the continued use of real-time EMR (Brady et al., 2015). Such technologies can make it easier for medical practitioners to monitor the health outcomes of many children. Increased BP recognition in children can make it easier for caregivers to deliver the most desirable medical support. The other important lesson from the article is that new measures should be used to improve the recognition of elevated BP in children. As well, the article explains why different healthcare settings should implement the use of real-time EMRs. Such alerts will eventually support the health needs of many people at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Implications of the Study
Children encounter high-blood pressure challenges similar to those faced by adults. The use of modern informatics such as real-time EMRs will increase the level of elevated BP recognition. This knowledge can make it easier for more caregivers to address the problem of high blood pressure in many African American children aged between 13 and 18. The study findings also encourage medical practitioners to propose better lifestyle changes that can minimize chances of hypertension in children (Grossman et al., 2014). For instance, a healthy lifestyle will make it possible for more individuals to achieve their goals. Adults can also engage in physical exercises, manage weight, and avoid smoking (“Hypertension and your sex life”, 2015). Real-time EMRs can be used in both domestic and clinical settings to monitor elevated blood pressure. The process will make it easier for more people to deal with the health problems associated with hypertension. These processes will improve the lifestyles of many African American children.
Reference List
Brady, T., Neu, A., Miler, E., Appel, L., Siberry, G., & Solomon, B. (2015). Real-time electronic medical record alerts increase high blood pressure recognition in children. Clinical Pediatrics, 54(7), 667-675.
Grossman, A., Cohen, N., Shemesh, J., Koren-Morag, N., Leibowitz, A., & Grossman, E. (2014). Exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise is not associated with masked hypertension in patients with high normal blood pressure levels. The Journal of Clinical Hypertension, 16(4), 272-282.
Hypertension and your sex life. (2015). Scientific American, 1, 10-15.