High Blood Pressure Uncontrolled

High Blood Pressure is dangerous – especially when it is uncontrolled.  Nearly half of about 67 million Americans with high blood pressure are not effectively treating their condition and face a high risk of a heart attack or stroke, a U.S. health official said on Tuesday.

About 36 million people have uncontrolled high blood pressure, a condition caused when too much force is exerted by blood as it is pumped through the body and moves against vessel walls, according to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released Tuesday.

“The bottom line is … most of those in this country who have (high blood pressure) don’t have their numbers under control, and because of that we have a very high burden of disease,” said Thomas Frieden, director of the CDC.

High Blood Pressure – risk factor for heart diease

High blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, contributes to nearly 1,000 deaths a day and $131 billion in annual direct healthcare costs, Frieden said.

High Blood Pressure is serious public health issue

The condition is the second most serious public health issue.

Of the 36 million Americans with uncontrolled hypertension, about 14 million were not aware of their condition and about 22 million either chose not to take medication or were on inadequate treatment, according to the report, which surveyed adults between 2003 and 2010.