CDC

Nearly 41% of U.S. adults with hypertension don't know they have it

November 13, 2024

A recent CDC report on hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control among U.S. adults from August 2021 to August 2023 revealed that approximately 47.7% of adults have hypertension, a figure consistent with previous years. The prevalence is notably higher in men (50.8%) compared with women (44.6%) and increases significantly with age, affecting over 71% of individuals aged 60 and older. Awareness of hypertension is relatively low, with only 59.2% of those affected recognizing their condition, although awareness improves with age.

In terms of treatment, 51.2% of adults with hypertension are currently on medication, with treatment rates also rising with age. However, only about 20.7% of those with hypertension have their BP adequately controlled to below 130/80 mm Hg. The report indicates no significant changes in awareness, treatment, or control rates compared with data from 2017 to March 2020, highlighting ongoing challenges in managing this chronic condition effectively. The findings underscore the need for improved public health strategies to enhance awareness and treatment adherence among affected populations.

Source:

CDC. (2024, October 23). Hypertension Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control Among Adults Age 18 and Older: United States, August 2021–August 2023. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/164016