Prevalence of Actions to Control High Blood Pressure—20 States, 2005

High blood pressure (HBP) increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, the first and third leading causes of death in the United States, respectively. The association between HBP and cardiovascular disease is independent of other risk factors. Nearly 30% of the U.S. adult population had HBP during 2001-2004, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), and the prevalence has increased compared with 1988-1994 NHANES data. Although HBP is easily detectable and can be controlled with treatment, the condition is not controlled (i.e., systolic blood pressure <140 mm Hg and diastolic pressure <90 mm Hg) in approximately 70% of persons. A Healthy People 2010 objective (objective 12-11) is to increase the proportion of adults with HBP who are taking action to help control their blood pressure. To assess the prevalence of self-reported HBP and actions to control HBP, CDC analyzed 2005 data from an optional module in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in the 20 states that participated. The results indicated that although nearly all adults with HBP in the 20 states were taking some action to control their blood pressure, some persons can take additional actions to control their HBP, if indicated, including dietary changes, exercise, and taking prescribed medication.