Hypertension patients not reaching blood pressure goals

Nearly three-fourths of American adults with coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes or other conditions that raise the risk for cardiovascular complications also have high blood pressure, according to a UC Irvine Heart Disease Prevention Program study. The report also notes that although most of these individuals are treated for hypertension, only one-third to one-half reach blood pressure goals. Blood pressure control remains a problem in the United States and around the world, said Nathan Wong, program director, and recent estimates indicate little change in the prevalence of hypertension. Although there seems to be some improvements in treatment, hypertension remains inadequately controlled, the study concludes.