Why High Blood Pressure Is a Health Concern

Why High Blood Pressure Is a Health Concern: Statistics

High blood pressure is a factor in several of the most common conditions people develop as they get older. High blood pressure prevention may reduce the chances of a person developing life-threatening or life-altering conditions. Consider the following high blood pressure statistics:
 
  • High blood pressure is a factor in 77 percent of strokes -- the third leading cause of death in the United States
  • High blood pressure is a factor in 67 percent of heart attacks in the United States
  • High blood pressure precedes 74 percent of cases of heart failure in the United States
  • High blood pressure is the second leading cause of chronic kidney failure in the United States -- responsible for 26 percent of all cases
  • High blood pressure affects circulation -- creating a higher risk for mental deterioration and Alzheimer's disease
  • High blood pressure causes more visits to doctors than any other condition.
     

Why High Blood Pressure Is a Health Concern: Looking Ahead

Many people do not have symptoms of high blood pressure or discomfort, so they find it easy to ignore their condition. However, this significantly increases the chances of having:
 
  • Kidney disease
  • A heart attack
  • A stroke
  • Other heart and blood vessel problems.
     
Getting high blood pressure under control may add years to a person's life. Healthy lifestyle changes often improve both a person's high blood pressure and his or her quality of life.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
 
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