Download Sample newsletter article Homepage lead

Sample newsletter article
Homepage lead-in text
Click here to learn more
Hypertension: The goal is control
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke in the United
States. Nearly 68 million American adults have hypertension – that is one in every three American
adults. An additional 30% of American adults are on the cusp of developing high blood pressure.
Hypertension is the leading cause of doctor’s visits and costs $51 billion annual in direct medical
expenses and lost productivity.
Considered the “silent killer”, hypertension has no signs or symptoms. Individuals can have hypertension
for years without knowing, during which time it can damage an individual’s heart, blood vessels, and
kidneys.
Despite the opportunities to prevent or reduce hypertension, less than half of all American adults with
hypertension have it under control, and one in every five people with hypertension are unaware they
have the condition. But individual changes add up: If the average daily sodium intake dropped from
3,300 mg per day to 2,000 mg per day, the number of people with high blood pressure would decrease
by 11 million and we would save $18 billion a year in healthcare costs.
The best strategy to reduce and control hypertension is a team-based approach that includes the
patient, primary care providers, and other healthcare providers. Increased blood pressure is part of the
aging process, but individuals can reduce their risk of hypertension, including: eating a healthy, low-salt
diet; staying physically active; and maintaining a healthy weight. Lifestyle changes like these coupled
with medications and regular blood pressure monitoring offer the best opportunity to reduce and
control hypertension.