Most Adults Don't Treat High Blood Pressure Or Don't Control It

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Hypertension is a chronic health problem and it is a big problem because it is a progressive disorder, which means it gets worse over time if not controlled.

High blood pressure affects 72 million Americans each year. That's almost 3 out of 10 of us and the incidence increases with age.

Thirty-four percent of those affected are unaware of the condition. When we look closer at the numbers, almost half of us, 46% of people with hypertension, remain untreated. Of those we treat, only 28% achieve target blood pressure goals.

Lots of numbers don't you think? But the numbers all point to the same conclusion. Blood pressure is not adequately controlled in approximately 75% of adult patients with hypertension.

Not a good result for a very serious problem.