Make High Blood Pressure A High Priority

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Sometimes statistics can tell us a great deal. I won't overwhelm you with numbers but let me just mention a few. High blood pressure affects 72 million Americans each year. That's almost 3 out of 10 of us, 30%, and the incidence increases with age.

If these numbers aren't frightening enough, consider this; 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 their target blood pressure goal.

What does it all mean?

The numbers all point to the same conclusion; blood pressure is not adequately controlled in approximately 75% of adult patients with hypertension.

It is very important that we do what we can to control it. It plays a key role in our overall health.