Management of Hypertension Following Hurricane Katrina: A Review of Issues in Management of Chronic Health Conditions Following a Disaster

Following Hurricane Katrina many residents of the Gulf Coast had difficulties managing their cardiovascular risk factors especially hypertension. Care for patients with chronic diseases can be an enormous challenge after any disaster. The difficulties are compounded if the population prior to the disaster was already experiencing major health disparities. Focusing on hypertension we review the issues confronted by residents of the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina in managing their health care. In addition, we address possible solutions to these problems. Pre-disaster preparedness is essential and requires multidisciplinary efforts including patient education. Being certain that patients with chronic diseases have enough medical supplies to last through the immediate disaster period and for portability of medical records are essential interventions in maintaining control of blood pressure in the post-disaster period.