Percent of Adults with Hypertension-Northwest Region
Current Value
25.9%
Definition
Story Behind the Curve
Hypertension is the clinical term for describing high blood pressure. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and more. Being overweight or obese, eating too much salt (also called sodium), using tobacco, and not being physically active enough are all risk factors for developing high blood pressure.1
More information can be found on the Healthy Vermonters 2020 Date Explorer here.
Partners
Local hospital
Primary Care Practices
Vermont Department of Health
Local coalitions
Why Is This Important?
This indicator is important because hypertension can lead to heart attack or stroke, aneurysm, heart failure, vision loss, loss of kidney function, gum disease and other oral health complications and cognitive issues.n reducing high blood pressure.1
What Works
Preventing hypertension before it starts is a critical component in reducing the prevalence of hypertension. Evidence based strategies include maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber and low in fats and sugars.1
Region-specific prevention practices can also be found in "Planning for Prevention-A Guide to Community Health Initiatives" through Northwest Regional Planning Commission.
References
1. Vermont Department of Health