Very common. It affects nearly one fourth of the adult U.S. population, in whom it is also the most common
outpatient diagnosis. The lifetime risk for hypertension is also quite high: 90% percent of those who, at age 55, do not yet have it will eventually develop it. Still, 30% of affected patients are unaware that they have it,
which is sad, since effective blood pressure control is indeed achievable and can substantially reduce the risk
of stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart failure.
outpatient diagnosis. The lifetime risk for hypertension is also quite high: 90% percent of those who, at age 55, do not yet have it will eventually develop it. Still, 30% of affected patients are unaware that they have it,
which is sad, since effective blood pressure control is indeed achievable and can substantially reduce the risk
of stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart failure.