Avoiding The Leading Cause of Heart Attacks and Strokes

High blood pressure (Hypertension) causes more heart attacks & strokes in the U.S. than any other cause and affects almost one-third of the U.S. adult population.

In 2009–2010, nearly 82% of adults with hypertension were aware of their status, and nearly 76% were taking medication. Despite considerable improvement in increasing the awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension, undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension among minority groups remains a challenge.

Lifestyle changes including exercising, losing weight if necessary, quitting smoking & consuming a diet made up predominately of a variety of minimally processed plant foods low in added salt/sugar/fat/oil/calorie density can significantly lower blood pressure

The following information comes from the report, Hypertension Among Adults in the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011–2012

Key findings

- The age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension among U.S. adults aged 18 and over was 29.1% in 2011–2012, similar to the prevalence in 2009–2010.

- The prevalence of hypertension was similar for men and women at nearly one-third. The prevalence increased with age and was highest among older adults; it was also highest among non-Hispanic black adults, at approximately 42%.

- Among adults with hypertension, nearly 83% were aware, nearly 76% were taking medication to lower their blood pressure, and nearly 52% were controlled. There was no change in awareness, treatment, and control from 2009–2010 to 2011–2012.

- Controlled hypertension was similar across race and Hispanic origin groups, but the percentage controlled was higher for women and older adults.

The overall prevalence of hypertension has not changed appreciably since 2009–2010. The age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension among U.S. adults was 29.1% in 2011–2012. Among adults with hypertension in 2011–2012, 82.8% were aware of their hypertension, 75.7% were currently taking medication to lower their blood pressure, and 51.9% had their blood pressure controlled to less than 140/90 mm Hg.

Lowering sodium intake is an important step in reducing the incidence of hypertension.

In Health

Jeff