CDC: Only Half Control High Blood Pressure

Nearly one-third of U.S. adults have high blood pressure. But fewer than half of them have it under control, a new report says. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the report. It was based on a major national health survey. The survey found that 39% who had high blood pressure were not aware of it. About 16% knew they had the problem but were not taking medicine for it. About 45% were getting drug treatment. Overall, 67 million had high blood pressure. This means they measured high on a blood pressure test or were getting treatment for the condition. Nearly 36 million did not have their high blood pressure under control. Nearly 90% of the uncontrolled group had a regular source of health care, had insurance and had been seen by a doctor in the last year. Researchers said this showed missed opportunities to achieve lower blood pressure.