More on Trends in Hypertension in the U.S.

Data from different ethnic and gender groups show increases in hypertension prevalence in recent decades that are partly explained by increases in body-mass index.

Hypertension is a major contributor to morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare expenditures. Investigators used data from the 1988–1994 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) and from NHANES 1999–2004 to assess trends in hypertension prevalence; blood pressure (BP) distribution; and hypertension awareness, treatment, and control. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg, diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg, or patient-reported use of prescription antihypertensive medication.

Between the two NHANES surveys, the age-standardized prevalence of hypertension increased significantly (from 24.4% to 28.9%; relative increase, 18%). The largest increase was seen in non-Latina women. Within each stratum of body-mass index, hy…

Reviewing Author

Joel M. Gore, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH–National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Joel M. Gore, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH–National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

More on Trends in Hypertension in the U.S.

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