High blood pressure, the ‘silent killer’

The percentage of Americans having high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) appears to be growing, and this is partly due to the widespread obesity epidemic, according to a new study by researchers from the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

High blood pressure is also called the ‘silent killer’ because no symptoms are apparent and people may have it for years without being aware of it. When left untreated, it can lead to stroke, cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease. Approximately 300,000 deaths in the United States each year are due to high blood pressure.

The researchers took data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and compared two periods: 1988 through 1994, and 1999 through 2004. The first group included data on 16,351 participants, while the other group covered 14,430 participants.

Between the two periods, the researchers observed an increase in high blood pressure in both men and women. It started increasing earlier, at age 40, among women and later, at age 60, among men.

The significant finding was the rapid rise in the prevalence of high blood pressure:

* People confirmed for high blood pressure increased from 50.3 percent of the population in 1994 to 55.5 percent in 2004.

* People who had pre-hypertension, a transition stage that is likely to develop into full-blown high blood pressure, also rose from 32.3 percent of the population in 1994 to 36.1 percent in 2004.

The researchers also found some positive developments.

* Awareness about the presence of hypertension increased from 68.5% awareness to nearly 72%, but awareness among women was higher than men.

* The percentage of people who were being treated for their condition rose substantially from 53.1% to 61.4% by 2004.

* Those who had their hypertension under control improved from 26% to 35%.

The researchers believe an important reason for the increase in hypertension rates is the problem of obesity and overweight. Other contributory factors to hypertension are smoking, lack of physical activity, and an excess of salt in the diet.

Although it is heartening to note that treatment rates have increased, the more urgent public health concern is the need to make more progress in preventing obesity and encouraging people to lose more eight. Obesity prevention has become especially worrisome because of the increasing prevalence of obesity among children.

For those already suffering from high blood pressure, the research team believes it is necessary for people to become more aware of their disease and put more effort into getting it under control.

Safety Tips:

* For prevention, develop and stick to a healthy lifestyle. Exercise and healthy eating behavior will help control weight.

* Know your blood pressure levels. Track blood pressure regularly and consult your doctor.