CDC Press Release: CDC Vital Signs: Poor blood-pressure control puts 5 million older Americans at risk

Press Release   For Immediate Release Tuesday, September 13, 2016   Contact: CDC Media Relations (404) 639-3286   Poor blood-pressure control puts 5 million older Americans at risk Focus of new CDC Vital Signs report: how health care systems can help more people take their medicines as directed   Some 5 million Medicare Part D enrollees age 65 and older are not taking their blood pressure medicine properly, increasing their risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and death, according to a new Vital Signs report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Medicare Part D is a federal program that helps Medicare beneficiaries with the costs of prescription drugs and prescription drug insurance premiums.   Seven out of 10 U.S. adults ages 65 and older have high blood pressure (140/90mmHg or higher), but nearly half do not have their blood pressure under control. The report outlines the dangers of high blood pressure and the important role health care systems play in helping patients take blood pressure medicines as directed.   "A simple action can avoid potentially deadly consequences: take your blood pressure medicine as prescribed," said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. "Health care providers can make treatment easier to help people keep their blood pressure controlled."   Read More The CDC has reached 1.2 million email subscribers. Thank you for your support. Modify/Update Subscriber Preferences or Unsubscribe | Learn about CDC Updates Questions or problems? Please contact support@govdelivery.com. This email was sent to filter@clubhouseb.com using GovDelivery,on behalf of: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • 1600 Clifton Rd • Atlanta, GA 30333 • 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)