Hypertension affects almost one-half the U.S. adult population.
If left untreated, hypertension can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke and heart attack, according to a report from the National Center for Health Statistics.
This is a concerning finding, adding to the recent study from the American Heart Association, which found that high blood pressure was “higher than normal” for 1 in 7 children, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
The National Center for Health Statistics report noted that approximately 41% of U.S. adults with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, are unaware that they have it.
This data comes from a two-year survey conducted between August 2021 and August 2023. Data was gathered in phases, which included interviews held in the participants’ residences and a standardized health assessment conducted at a mobile examination location. Up to three blood pressure measurements were recorded, reported The Washington Post.
“Hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 80 mm Hg, or currently taking medication to lower blood pressure,” states the study.
The report noted that men were more likely to have high blood pressure but less likely to recognize it compared to women.
“Hypertension prevalence in adults aged 18 and older was 47.7% and was higher in men (50.8%) than women (44.6%),” reads the report.
The incidence of hypertension rose with advancing age. The rate was 23.4% among adults aged 18 to 39, climbing to 52.5% for those between 40 and 59.
The study offered another staggering percentage: over 70% of adults aged 60 and over have hypertension.
Based on the survey, the rate of hypertension continues to exceed the “Healthy People 2030 target goal to lower blood pressure to 41.9% of the population or below. However, the prevalence of controlled hypertension at 20.7% is higher than the Healthy People 2030 target goal of 18.9% or above (7).the Healthy People 2030 goal of 18.9% or higher.”