CDC Grand Rounds: A Public Health Approach to Detect and Control Hypertension
Insights
Hypertension, defined as high blood pressure, affects millions of Americans, with about half of cases uncontrolled. Many are unaware or undertreated, highlighting a critical public health issue.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
- It affects nearly one-third of U.S. adults (approx. 75 million).
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the prevalence and control status of hypertension in the U.S.
- To identify the proportions of uncontrolled hypertension cases due to lack of awareness, treatment, or inadequate treatment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data on hypertension prevalence and control in the U.S. adult population.
- Categorization of uncontrolled hypertension based on awareness and treatment status.
Main Results:
- Approximately 35 million U.S. adults have uncontrolled hypertension.
- Of those with uncontrolled hypertension, 33% are unaware, 20% are aware but untreated, and 47% are aware but inadequately treated.
Conclusions:
- A substantial portion of hypertension in the U.S. remains uncontrolled.
- Addressing awareness, treatment initiation, and treatment optimization are crucial for managing hypertension and reducing associated risks.
Abstract:
Hypertension is generally defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg. A person who currently uses blood pressure-lowering medication is also defined as having hypertension. Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke (1,2). Hypertension affects nearly one third of U.S. residents aged ≥18 years (approximately 75 million persons), and in approximately one half of adults with hypertension (nearly 35 million persons), it is uncontrolled (2). Among these 35 million U.S. residents with uncontrolled hypertension, 33% (11.5 million persons) are not aware of their hypertension, 20% (7 million persons) are aware of their hypertension, but are not being treated for it, and approximately 47% (16.1 million persons) are aware of their hypertension and being treated for it, but treatment (by medication and/or lifestyle modification) is not adequately controlling their blood pressure (Figure) (2).
