What are the Statistics Related to High Blood Pressure

Hypertension is a serious problem not only for Americans, but for people all over the world. An unhealthy, inactive lifestyle coupled with being overweight, makes a deadly combination. Some of the statistics related to high blood pressure are frightening and if they are not taken care of properly, they can take numerous lives.

Statistics Related To High Blood Pressure:

• High blood pressure (hypertension) killed 49,707 Americans in 2002.
• About 65 million Americans aged 20 and older have high blood pressure.
• Nearly one in three adults has high blood pressure.
• From 1992 to 2002 the death rate from high blood pressure increased 26.8 percent, and the actual number of deaths rose 56.6 percent.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 600 million people with high blood pressure are at risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiac failure.
• Worldwide, high blood pressure is estimated to cause 7.1 million deaths, about 13% of the global fatality total. In fact, high blood pressure causes five million premature deaths a year worldwide.
• About half of those who have a first heart attack and two-thirds who have a stroke have blood pressures higher than 160/95 mmHg.
• Hypertension precedes the development of congestive heart failure (CHF) in 91% of cases. HBP is associated with 2-3 times higher risk for developing CHF.
• In 2002 the death rates per 100,000 population from high blood pressure were 14.4 for white males, 49.6 for black males, 13.7 for white females and 40.5 for black females.
• Of those people with high blood pressure, 30% don't even know they have it.
• 70% of people who have high blood pressure do not have it under control.
• The cause of 90-95% of the cases of high blood pressure isn't known; however, high blood pressure is easily detected and usually controllable.
• Of all people with high blood pressure, 11% aren't on therapy (special diet or drugs), 25% are on inadequate therapy, and 34% are on adequate therapy.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a silent killer. Most people do not even know they suffer from hypertension until it is too late. Age, inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, race, genetics, smoking and stress are all risk factors that contribute to high blood pressure.

The reason hypertension seems to have become so common according to experts is an inactive and an unhealthy lifestyle. Experts point out that with the rise in obesity; hypertension and heart disease have also increased. People have also become more inactive as well, for example; people now prefer to use their cars instead of walking to the near by grocery store. Inactivity and obesity are preventable risks of hypertension.

Some Important Facts About High Blood Pressure

The reason people do not know they suffer from high blood pressure is because they do not show any symptoms. Hypertension is a silent disease. The only way to know if you are suffering from high blood pressure is to get regular medical check ups especially as you grow older.

Only a doctor can diagnose if you have high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is above 140/90 consistently, then it will be said that you suffer from hypertension. Age, race, gender and family history are important factors you must keep in mind as you grow older, as these factors increase risks for developing hypertension.

Men are more susceptible to developing blood pressure problems than women. African American people are more inclined to suffer from high blood pressure than Caucasians. Also, if you have had any family members suffering from hypertension; your risk for developing this disease increases.

Furthermore, African Americans also have a higher death rate of stroke and kidney disease. However, treatment and lifestyle changes can control high blood pressure in most people. This includes losing weight, increasing physical activity, following a healthy eating plan, choosing foods with less salt, not smoking, reducing your alcohol consumption and drinking alcohol in moderation.

Most people do not even know they suffer from high blood pressure. For those who know, it is vital that they listen and take their doctors advice as it can save their lives. For some people, these lifestyle changes are enough to keep their blood pressure at healthy levels, but for others it is necessary that along with these lifestyle changes they take their medications.

It is true that in most cases of hypertension, the cause is unknown; this is known as essential hypertension. Studies are underway at the moment to find out the exact reason behind high blood pressure. The good news is that even though we do not know the cause of hypertension, it can be controlled. By simply following your doctor’s advice you can lead a much healthier life.

Stress plays a critical role in people developing high blood pressure. People with lower educational qualifications and incomes tend to be more stressed out than others as they constantly worry about issues like job safety and making ends meet. These people are therefore more likely to suffer from hypertension.

Hypertension if left uncontrolled can damage blood vessels and restrict blood flow to your vital organs. It can result in eye and kidney damage, strokes, heart attacks and other serious health problems. Hypertension is a very serious condition that needs medical care, because if neglected, can ultimately cause death. People need to understand that by simply controlling their blood pressure and making smart healthy choices about their food and lifestyle they can prevent hypertension and heart disease. Hypertension is a treatable condition – it does not have to take over your life.