Residual lifetime risk for developing hypertension in middle-aged women and men

American Heart Association
Tuesday, 26 February 2002

In a study published in the February 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers from the Framingham Heart Study found that Americans 55 years old and older have a staggering 90 percent chance of developing stage 1 hypertension in their lifetime.

"Americans need to take note of this study," says David A. Meyerson, M.D., a spokesperson for the American Heart Association and a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins University. "What it brings home is that high blood pressure is likely to be in everyone's future. But, with early attention, it doesn't have to be that way.

"This study is a wake-up call on the importance of counseling patients about their risk of developing high blood pressure, and helping them reduce it. Blood pressure remains one of the most treatable risk factors for heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure and kidney failure. Treating stage 1 hypertension results in significantly fewer cardiovascular events," says Meyerson.

The data outlines the very high prevalence of high blood pressure in our society, and the numbers would probably be higher if minorities were added to the group studied, he says. Framingham participants are mostly Caucasian.

"From a public health perspective, it is far more beneficial on all levels to delay and prevent disease, rather than play catch-up by treating it once it has already begun to do harm. Young and middle-aged populations should start paying attention to their lifestyle now, because the vast majority of us are at risk. Sadly, more than 30 percent of people with high blood pressure don't even know they have it," says Meyerson.

To prevent high blood pressure the American Heart Association recommends eating a diet limited in salt and animal fats but rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, poultry and whole grains. This dietary pattern can also help reduce other risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as elevated blood cholesterol.

Regular physical activity, limiting the intake of alcoholic beverages, and losing even a modest amount of weight can also help control blood pressure.

If a person's blood pressure does not respond to these lifestyle changes, medication is often advised. The American Heart Association recommends screening for high blood pressure every two years for seemingly healthy individuals, and more frequently for others.

For more information, or to contact American Heart Association, see their website at: www.americanheart.org