Hypertension awareness, treatment, and control: Continued disparities in adults: United States, 2005-2006

KEY FINDINGS: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. In 2005-2006, 29% of all U.S. adults 18 years and older were hypertensive (systolic BP =/> 140 mmHg or diastolic BP =/> 90 mmHg or taking medications for hypertension). The prevalence of hypertension was nearly equal between men and women. In 2005-2006, an additional 28% of U.S. adults had prehypertension (systolic BP 120-139 mm Hg or diastolic BP 80-89 mm Hg, and not pharmacologically treated for high BP). In 2005-2006, 7% of the total U.S. adult population had a systolic BP =/> 140 mmHg or diastolic BP =/> 90 mmHg, but had never been told by a health care provider that they had high BP. Among hypertensive adults, 78% were aware of their condition. Overall, 68% of adults with hypertension were using anti-hypertensive medication. Over 64% of adults who were taking antihypertensive medication achieved BP less than 140/90 mm Hg.