The FAITh TrIAl: BAselIne ChArACTerIsTICs

The disproportionately higher rate of hypertension (HTN) and related cardiovascular morbidity of Blacks compared with Whites is well-documented.1 Improvements in blood pressure (BP) control can result in significant reduction in cardiovascular disease risk.2 Adopting therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) such as increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy foods, decreasing intake of sodium and fat, losing weight, and increasing physical activity has resulted in significant reductions in BP in trials such as PREMIER, DASH, and TONE.3-5 Despite the proven efficacy of TLC on BP reduction,3-5 little evidence supports their effectiveness when translated to community settings. This is particularly a concern for Blacks, given their low rate of BP control.6 Thus, it is important to evaluate the translaThe FAITh TrIAl: BAselIne ChArACTerIsTICs oF A ChurCh-BAsed TrIAl To Improve Blood pressure ConTrol In BlACks