| The latest Vital Signs report finds that the majority of people with hypertension are being treated with medication, yet their condition is not under control. Millions more are either aware they have the condition but aren't getting any treatment, or they don't know they have high blood pressure at all.
"These missed opportunities in treating uncontrolled high blood pressure are affecting the lives of 36 million Americans," said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH. "Clearly, there's a need for increased focus and collaboration among patients, health care providers and within health care systems to improve blood pressure control."
Among the report's key recommendations:
- The use of electronic health records and patient registries within health care systems to identify patients at risk and track their progress and adherence over time.
- Implementation of a team-based approach to patient care among health care providers as a way to provide support, follow-up care, manage medicines and help patients stick to a blood pressure control plan.
- Increased education of patients about "their numbers" and the need for important lifestyle changes such as eating a low sodium diet, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking.
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