Prevalence of Self-Reported Hypertension and Antihypertensive Medication Use Among Adults - United States, 2017

Abstract

What is already known about this topic? Prevalence of hypertension increases with increasing age and is higher among men than women and among non-Hispanic blacks than among other racial/ethnic groups; prevalence has been consistently higher in the Southeastern and Appalachian regions of the United States. What is added by this report? Analysis of 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data found that approximately one third of U.S. adults reported having hypertension, and an estimated 75% of those reporting having hypertension reported using antihypertensive medication. The prevalence of these factors varied widely by state and was generally highest in the Southeastern and Appalachian states. What are the implications for public health practice? A multidisciplinary team-based strategy working to educate patients, maintain dialogue over time, and identify risk factors can provide intervention opportunities for better blood pressure control and could reduce disparities in hypertension awareness, treatment, and control across the United States.