HHS HealthBeat (May 23, 2007)

Doing something about high blood pressure

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Is the word getting out on high blood pressure? Many people don’t realize they have high blood pressure, because you can have it with no symptoms. And even among those who have high blood pressure, some people do better than others in getting it under control.

At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Clark Denny looked at survey data on what people with high blood pressure are doing. His findings are in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report:

"Even though almost everybody is taking some action, more action needs to be taken, and in reality, only about 30 percent of people have it under control, though almost everyone could." (9 seconds)

That includes watching your diet – such as keeping low on salt and fat -- and taking your medicines and exercising regularly.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

Last revised: May, 24 2007