Americans Ignoring Serious Hypertension Problem, Experts Warn

(Feb. 23) -- High blood pressure is "a neglected disease" that needs significantly more attention from doctors and patients, according to a panel of experts with the influential Institute of Medicine.

One in three American adults suffers from hypertension, and one in six will eventually die from its consequences, which include heart disease and stroke, the panel's report concluded.

"Although hypertension is relatively easy to prevent, simple to diagnose and relatively inexpensive to treat, it remains the second leading cause of death among Americans, and as such should rightly be called a neglected disease," said panel chairman David Fleming in a statement.

High blood pressure is diagnosed as consistent levels above 140 over 90. Its prevalence has increased by 25 percent among American adults over the past decade, to 73 million people. African-American populations are particularly susceptible.

Even though 75 percent of Americans know the importance of routine blood pressure checkups, a mere 35 percent of those with hypertension are effectively managing the condition, according to panel member Dr. Corinne Huston.

The institute counsels policymakers, so its advice was largely directed toward the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which sponsored the study. Last year, the CDC spent $50 million on hypertension-related outreach. The panel's report wants to see the agency shell out more to encourage simple lifestyle changes.

And the panel wants the CDC to go for widespread policy changes rather than more small-scale education efforts. That means collaborating with government agencies and private institutions, especially with regard to three specific recommendations:

Eat less salt. A simple reduction in salt intake could cut hypertension rates by 22 percent.

Lose weight. If overweight Americans each lost 10 pounds, the panel predicts a 7 to 8 percent reduction in hypertension.

Reduce co-pays. The panel wants insurance companies to cut back on co-payments and deductibles for hypertension treatments, which can make medication prohibitively expensive.

These three changes could save Americans nearly $18 billion in health care costs each year, the report found.

The panel also wants to see better diagnosis and treatment for hypertension. Its data show that 86 percent of patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure see their physicians regularly. But doctors aren't following proper protocols for diagnosis and treatment.

"Undiagnosed and uncontrolled cases are occurring at alarming rates,'' Fleming said. "We think health care providers can do better at helping patients control their blood pressure."

Lifestyle changes, like weight loss and a better diet, can improve blood pressure. But once levels exceed 140 over 90, medical intervention with drugs -- like ACE inhibitors or beta blockers -- is the recommended course of action.

Generally, the higher the blood pressure, the greater the health risk. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to kidney failure, angina, heart failure and even dementia.