Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitudes of Older Americans About High Blood Pressure

Abstract

THE PREVALENCE of hypertension and related complications, including congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, stroke, and end-stage renal disease, rises sharply as a function of advancing age,^1-3 whereas blood pressure (BP) control declines with longevity in most demographic groups.⁴ When these facts are combined with aging of the US population, the rapid growth in the health toll and economic burden related to stroke, congestive heart failure, and end-stage renal disease is likely to continue unless constructive action is taken.