Here is what we know about how many people have high blood pressure:¹

• About 50 million American adults have high blood pressure. That's about 25 in 100 adults.
• An additional 45 million Americans have prehypertension (blood pressure that is slightly higher than normal, but not high enough to need drug treatment).
• About 30 in 100 people with high blood pressure don't know they have it.
• Only about 33 in 100 people with high blood pressure have it under control.
• High blood pressure is a main cause of death in about 10 in 100 people who die in the US.
• Under the age of 55, more men than women have high blood pressure. After that the pattern reverses, and women are more likely to have high blood pressure than men.
• High blood pressure tends to be more common, more severe and happen at an earlier age among African-American men and women than in other ethnic groups. Researchers are trying to figure out why this is.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.