Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension: United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2002

The prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the United States are analyzed using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database covering the period 1988-2002. Mean body mass index was 26.1+/-0.1 kg/m2 in 1988-1991 and 27.9+/-0.2 kg/m2 in 2001-2002 (p < 0.001). In the same period, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus increased from 5.0% to 6.5% (p = 0.03). Diastolic blood pressure was 73.3+/-0.2 mm Hg in 1988-1991 and 71.6+/-0.4 mm Hg in 2001-2002 (p < 0.001). Among the 18-39 years and 60 years and older age groups, the prevalence of hypertension increased significantly since 1988-1991. Multiple regression shows age, body mass index, and being non-Hispanic black were significantly associated with hypertension. In the period 1988-2002, the percentage receiving treatment and the percentage with blood pressure controlled increased significantly. In 2001-2002, significantly more people with hypertension and diabetes reached a blood pressure target of <130/85 mm Hg. Overall, the control rates were low, especially among middle-aged Mexican-American men (8%).