Facts on High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) killed 42,997 Americans in 1999
and contributed to the deaths of another 227,000. Because the consequences
associated with high blood pressure are so serious, early detection,
treatment, and control are important.
High blood pressure increases the risk for heart disease and stroke,
both leading causes of death in the United States. About 1 in 4 American
adults have high blood pressure. High blood pressure affects about
1 in 3 African Americans, 1 in 5 Hispanics and Native Americans, and
1 in 6 Asians/ Pacific Islanders.
What do blood pressure numbers indicate? Blood pressure is often written
as two numbers. The top (systolic) number represents the pressure
while the heart is beating. The bottom (diastolic) number represents
the pressure when the heart is resting between beats.
High blood pressure for adults is defined as a systolic pressure of
140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher.
Optimal adult blood pressure is 120/80 or lower.
Among people with high blood pressure, 31.6% don't even know they
have it.
High blood pressure is easily detectable and usually controllable
with lifestyle modifications such as increasing physical activity
or reducing dietary salt intake, with or without medications.
The Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation,
and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC VI) recommends that adults
have their blood pressure checked at least every 2 years.
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