(SALT LAKE
CITY) – Today, the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) published the July 2012 Utah Health Status Report, which
ranked high blood pressure, or hypertension, as the second most costly chronic
disease in the state. The annual costs
to treat high blood pressure in Utah total an average of more than $111
million.
“Nearly 1 in 4 Utah adults have high blood pressure,” said
Athena Carolan, Health Specialist with the UDOH Heart Disease and Stroke
Prevention Program (HDSPP). “It’s considered
the silent killer because it creates no obvious health symptoms, but often
leads to heart attacks and strokes.”
Safe and effective treatments are readily available for
those diagnosed with high blood pressure; however, more than one-third (36.3%)
of all Utah health plan enrollees do not have the condition “under
control,” meaning a systolic blood pressure below 140 mmHg or a diastolic blood
pressure below 90.
Utah HDSPP works with partners to increase awareness of high
blood pressure treatment guidelines and improve patient follow-up.
“By partnering with
health systems, worksites, and community groups, we work as a team to raise
awareness and lower costs,” Carolan said. “It’s also critical that individuals talk
to their doctors about how to improve their blood pressure through lifestyle
changes, like losing weight, eating less salt, exercising more, and giving up
smoking.”
For more information about blood pressure or HDSPP, visit www.hearthighway.org.
Athena Carolan
Health Program Specialist
801-538-9209
