Self-Reported Influences of Hopelessness, Health Literacy, Lifestyle Action, and Patient Inertia on Blood Pressure Control in a Hypertensive Emergency Department Population

Hypertensive patients visiting our emergency department perceive themselves to have adequate hypertension health-related literacy that was not transferred into hypertension health protective behavioral practices. Psychological distress and a sense of hopelessness surrounding BP control contribute to the lack of protective behavioral health practices. Further evaluations of PtInert methods to promote successful proactive change and adherence warrant further study.