High Blood Pressure Up 30% in U.S
(HealthDayNews, 8/23/04)

The latest National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) reports a 30% rise in hypertension (high blood pressure) based on an analysis of data gathered from 4,531 US residents 18 years and older during survey periods 1988-94 and 1999-2000. Experts define normal blood pressure as 120/80 and hypertension as 140/90 or higher. By extrapolating the survey results to the total population, the investigators conclude that 65 million Americans are hypertensive and, therefore, at risk for heart attack, stroke and chronic cardiovascular conditions. Experts say that, even though the data is 4 years old, the assumption that the trend is continuing is valid because the factors that make people prone to high blood pressure—age, excessive weight and lack of activity—are all increasing for the American population.

(Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association, August 24, 2004)