Individuals in the denominator with documentation of blood pressure measurements in the previous year
Individuals 55-74 years old
Hypertension is a common and important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and dementia. Stroke (cerebrovascular accident), heart failure, myocardial infarction, and impaired kidney function are well-established complications of elevated blood pressure (1).
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends blood pressure screening for all adults aged 20 years and older and assigns this recommendation a high evidence grade (Grade A), emphasizing its substantial net benefit (2). Despite the serious health risks associated with hypertension, the condition is often asymptomatic. As a result, many individuals are unaware that they have high blood pressure unless it is measured.
Regular blood pressure measurement enables early identification of hypertension and timely intervention through lifestyle modification, dietary changes, and, when indicated, medication. Early detection and treatment substantially reduce the risk of long-term complications and improve population health outcomes (3,4).
1. Zhou B, Perel P, Mensah GA, Ezzati M. Global epidemiology, health burden and effective interventions for elevated blood pressure and hypertension. Vol. 18, Nature Reviews Cardiology. Nature Research; 2021. p. 785–802.
2. Krist AH, Davidson KW, Mangione CM, Cabana M, Caughey AB, Davis EM, et al. Screening for Hypertension in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Reaffirmation Recommendation Statement. Vol. 325, JAMA – Journal of the American Medical Association. American Medical Association; 2021. p. 1650–6.
3. Ministry of Health. Israel National Health Interview Survey [Internet]. Vol. 331. 2012. Available from: www.health.gov.il/icdc
4. National Cholesterol Education Program. Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults. 2002.
