Do you have Hypertension or High Blood Pressure?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease (strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, sudden death) and kidney failure. According to the 1999-2000 NHANES* survey, 28% of the adult U.S. population has hypertension. The likelihood of having hypertension increases with age:

• 6 % of Americans aged 18 to 34 have hypertension
• 48 % of Americans aged 55 to 64 have hypertension
• 78% of Americans over the age of 75 have hypertension

30% of Americans with hypertension do not know that they have high blood pressure, fewer than 60% are being treated, and only about 34% are adequately controlled.

Your chances of having a stroke or heart attack, or of dying of cardiovascular disease, are 2 to 3 times higher if your elevated blood pressure is not treated. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney failure - more than 25,000 new cases a year.

The Long Beach Center for Clinical Research (LBCCR) conducts clinical trials of new treatments for high blood pressure and offers free screening for high blood pressure/hypertension. Make an appointment to have your blood pressure checked as part of a free health screening at LBCCR.

* NHANES: National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey