CDC issues new warning about high blood pressure
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Posted: 09/05/2012
(WXYZ) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new warning that too many Americans have high blood pressure and it's costing the country $131 billion annually.
According to the CDC, 67 million Americans suffer from high blood pressure but a majority of those people don't know they have it or don't have it under control.
Approximately 14 million people are unaware they have high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is defined as a reading of 140/90 mm-Hg or higher.
“We have to roll up our sleeves and make blood pressure control a priority every day, with every patient, at every doctor’s visit,” said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “With increased focus and collaboration among patients, health care providers and health care systems, we can help 10 million Americans’ blood pressure come into control in the next five years.”
The CDC is urging pharmacists, dietitians, nurses and doctors to work together to diagnose patients who have high blood pressure and develop a treatment plan.
Patients who are diagnosed with high blood pressure may be directed to take medication or make lifestyle changes including eating a low-sodium diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight.
You can read more tips about how to prevent high blood pressure by visiting the CDC's website .
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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