High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common and dangerous condition. Having high blood pressure means the pressure of the blood in your blood vessels is higher than it should be. But you can take steps to control your blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. About 1 of 3 U.S. adults—or about 75 million people—have high blood pressure.1 Only about half (54%) of these people have their high blood pressure under control.1 Many youth are also being diagnosed with high blood pressure.2 This common condition increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death for Americans.3 Get more quick facts about high blood pressure, or learn more about high blood pressure in the United States.
High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because it often has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it. That’s why it is important to check your blood pressure regularly.
The good news is that you can take steps to prevent high blood pressure or to control it if your blood pressure is already high.
Learn About High Blood Pressure
Educate Others
Blood Pressure Communications Kit
Health professionals can share these social media messages, graphics, and resources to educate their social and professional networks about the dangers of high blood pressure and how to prevent and manage it.
2018 Hypertension Control ChampionsExternal
Million Hearts® recognized 18 health care practices and community health centers as 2018 Champions for their efforts to achieve blood pressure control for at least 80% of their adult patients with hypertension.
High Blood Pressure During Childhood and Adolescence
Using the recent 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Practice Guideline, a new CDC study shows that many more youth are now considered to have hypertension. High blood pressure during childhood and adolescence is linked to health problems later in life. The good news is that it is controllable and treatable. Learn what parents can do.
DHDSP Recognizes Stroke Survivors
In observance of National Stroke Awareness Month this May, the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP) is spotlighting stroke survivors and the importance of stroke awareness. Visit our new Survivor Stories webpage to learn more about stroke and how it can happen to anyone, even fitness enthusiasts and new moms.
Best Practices Guide for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Current strategies for controlling cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, are not widely used as standard practice. CDC developed this guide to provide health professionals with evidence-based strategies for effective and sustainable CVD prevention, including health and economic impact and potential for reducing health disparities.
Video: Tips for Taking Blood Pressure Medicines As Directed
High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the leading causes of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and death in the United States. One major cause of poor blood pressure control is not taking medications at the right time and in the right amount. Learn the steps you can take to help you or your loved ones.
Million Hearts® Action Guide: Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring Cdc-pdf[PDF-1M]External
Clinicians, public health practitioners, health care systems, and individuals can improve blood pressure control and health outcomes for patients with high blood pressure. Self-measured blood pressuring monitoring is one strategy to reach those objectives.
Reference
- Merai R, Siegel C, Rakotz M, Basch P, Wright J, Wong B; DHSc., Thorpe P. CDC Grand Rounds: A Public Health Approach to Detect and Control Hypertension. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2016 Nov 18;65(45):1261-1264.
- Jackson SL, Zhang Z, Wiltz JL, et al. Hypertension Among Youths — United States, 2001–2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018;67:758–762.
- Yoon SS, Fryar CD, Carroll MD. Hypertension Prevalence and Control Among Adults: United States, 2011-2014. NCHS data brief, no 220. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics; 2015.
