Introduction:   In African Americans, the prevalence of hypertension is higher with poor cardiovascular and renal outcomes than white Americans (Douglas et al., 2003). Qualitative studies have shown that it is imperative to consider the patient’s perspective on managing their hypertension to help develop culturally sensitive interventions to improve blood pressure control. However, in the literature, there are a limited number of qualitative studies addressing the African Americans’ view on living with hypertension. 

Purpose:  The purposes of the study are to describe the perceptions of African Americans and their significant others on living with hypertension and to provide some insight into the causes of poor blood pressure control among African Americans. 

Methods: This descriptive qualitative study is part of a mixed method research design. The sample consists of 12 hypertensive African Americans, ages 18-64, and their spouses or significant other. The participants completed an open-ended questionnaire at their last visit. A telephone interview was conducted with their spouses or significant other. The open-ended questions focused on their views about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Content analysis will be utilized to analyze and interpret the data. 

Findings: Preliminary findings reveal that some African Americans perceive hypertension as unpreventable and hereditary. The complete study findings will be available in February 2007 to provide further insight into the causes of poor blood pressure control among African Americans.