44% of U.S. Adults With Hypertension Do Not Know They Have It

2 articles · Updated · Statecollege.com · Jun 11

An estimated 44% of U.S. adults with high blood pressure are unaware they have the condition, even though hypertension affects about 50% of adults nationwide.
Most cases cause no noticeable symptoms, making routine screening critical to catch a condition that can quietly damage the heart and blood vessels over time.
Only about 1 in 4 adults with hypertension have it under control; untreated cases raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.
Doctors say normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg, while a hypertensive crisis starts above 180/120, and recommend checks at least every two years from age 18—annually for adults 40 and older or younger people at higher risk.

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