J Natl Med Assoc
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Only about 27% of Americans with hypertension have their disease under control. Hypertension in the African-American population has a higher prevalence (32%) and is less likely to be treated or controlled compared with that in the caucasian population. Hypertension places a significant burden on patients and health care systems. Applications of medical informatics can facilitate the management of hypertension. Examples that illustrate the utility, status, and future potential of medical informatics applications in the treatment of hypertension are presented. ⋯ Management of hypertension needs much improvement. The use of computers and the Internet in health care is expanding and expected to have a positive impact on the management of chronic diseases, such as hypertension.