Who’s at risk
In layman’s terms, hypertension is high blood pressure. “We define hypertension as a blood pressure of 140/90 and above,” says Meller. “Normal blood pressure is below 120/80.” Blood-
pressure readings that fall in between are considered pre-hypertension.
Hypertension is one of the most common health problems in this country, affecting one in three American adults. “About 65 million Americans have hypertension,” says Meller. “Another 59 million Americans have pre-hypertension.”
Thanks to improved public awareness in the past 10 years, 75% of people with high blood pressure know they have it. “However, only two-thirds of those people have it controlled,” says Meller. “Treating hypertension is now a question of management more than awareness.”
High blood pressure is a serious health problem because it can lead to problems like heart disease.
“Over time, it leads to what we call end organ damage. As the vessels get more damaged, patients are more likely to suffer strokes, heart attacks and general cardiovascular disease,” warns Meller.
(4 votes, average: 3.50 out of 5)
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These high numbers/percentages of people diagnosed with hypertension seem likely to me to be inflated. I’ve suffered considerable stress over the years because of what I now believe to be a dubious diagnosis of hypertension, and treatment with various drugs, with bad to disastous results — and no change in my blood-pressure readings. Personally, I think it’s very, very difficult to get any kind of accurate reading of my blood pressure in any medical setting. I’m always scared to death, esp. since I dread being told that I need treatment, yet again. The drugs cause at least as many problems as blood pressure. It’s a nightmare merry-go-round, and I refuse to get back on!