High stroke risk factor often ignored

IOM report calls hypertension a "neglected disease"

Despite high blood pressure being the cause of death in 1 of 6 US adults, and the greatest single risk factor for deaths from cardiovascular disease, millions of Americans are developing, living with, and dying from hypertension. The decade from 1995 to 2005 saw a 25% increase in the death rate from high blood pressure.

"We are failing to translate our public health and clinical knowledge into effective prevention, treatment, and control programs," observed the Committee on Public Health Priorities to Reduce and Control Hypertension in the US Population. Their report offers recommendations for changes by individuals, physicians, and policies to prevent and control high blood pressure and associated health problems.

 (Image from South Dakota Risk Pool)