In a recent survey conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, it was revealed that Americans’ awareness of critical health numbers, including blood pressure, is alarmingly low. Less than half of adults know their blood pressure numbers, and fewer than one in five are aware of their cholesterol or blood sugar levels.
The researchers found that 68% of surveyed adults could recall their childhood address, and 58% knew their best friend’s birthday, indicating a higher recall of personal life details over critical health numbers.
Among health metrics, the highest number of respondents (44%) knew their body mass index, or BMI, while the fewest (15%) were aware of their blood sugar level.
“Recognizing heart disease risk factors early and adequately treating them can potentially prevent heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. As a society, we need to shift from sick care to preventative care so people can live their best and fullest lives possible,” said Laxmi Mehta, MD, director of Preventative Cardiology and Women’s Cardiovascular Health at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Sarah Ross Soter Endowed Chair in Women’s Cardiovascular Health Research.
Blood Pressure Numbers: State of Hypertension in the USA
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States. Despite the availability of blood pressure-lowering medications, awareness and control of high blood pressure are declining. Less than half of the nearly 108 million American adults with hypertension have their blood pressure under control.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly half of adults in the U.S. (48.1%, approximately 119.9 million) have hypertension. High blood pressure is more common in some areas of the United States than in others, but the true effect of hypertension is likely underreported. About 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure is unaware of it, highlighting a significant gap in diagnosis and awareness.
The lifetime risk of developing high blood pressure is about 70% for Americans, with only one in four patients with hypertension having their blood pressure under control. High blood pressure was a primary or contributing cause of 691,095 deaths in the United States in 2021.
Blood Pressure Numbers: Understanding vs Awareness
A study by the University of Southern California found that 64% of Americans express confidence in understanding blood pressure numbers, yet only 39% actually know what normal or healthy blood pressure is. This false confidence can be deadly, as undiagnosed hypertension can lead to serious health consequences, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and cognitive impairment. More than three-quarters of Americans age 65 and older have high blood pressure, making it a major risk factor for older adults.
Conclusion
The findings from these studies paint a concerning picture of hypertension awareness and control in the United States. Despite the high prevalence of high blood pressure and its associated risks, many Americans lack crucial knowledge about their health metrics. This gap in awareness and understanding underscores the need for improved education, resources, and healthcare strategies to manage this critical health issue. As hypertension remains a silent but deadly condition, it is imperative that individuals take proactive steps to monitor and manage their blood pressure, ensuring a healthier future for themselves and their communities.
