Hypertension Awareness, Treatment, and Control -Continued Disparities in
Adults: United States, 2005-2006

High blood pressure (BP) is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) (1). High BP increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease (2-4). Conversely, favorable BP levels are associated with a greater probability of survival to age 85 as well as increased longevity without major co-morbidities (5,6). Increasing the awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension will reduce morbidity and mortality. This is a goal of national public health programs and initiatives such as the National High Blood Pressure Education Program (7). Data on levels of this risk factor in the U.S. population help to identify subgroups where risk may be greatest and prevention efforts might be targeted. Comparison over time can also show if the population is experiencing improvement in controlling elevated levels of BP.