by KYW's medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough
Hypertension is a chronic health problem and it is what we call a progressive disorder which means that it gets worse over time if not controlled. High blood pressure affects 72 million Americans each year, that’s almost thirty percent of us, and the incidence increases with age.
These numbers are frightening enough, but consider this: 34% of those affected are unaware of their condition. When we look closer at the numbers almost half of us, 46% of the people with hypertension, remain untreated. Of those we treat, only 28% achieved their target blood pressure goal.
What does all this mean? The numbers all point to the same conclusion. Blood pressure is not adequately controlled in approximately 75% of adult patients with hypertension.
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