High blood pressure a "neglected disease"

wkowtv.com - MADISON (WKOW) -- A respected medical group says it's time to get the nation's blood pressure problem in check. The Institute of Medicine says one-third of Americans now have hypertension, triggering heart attacks and heart failures in record numbers. Hypertension is often referred to as a silent killer, because people can't "feel" when they have it.  "As your blood pressure goes up, so does your risk of death and misery -- complications like heart attacks, strokes, blindness," said Todd Eckelberg, M.D. at St. Mary's Hospital. "People could be destroying their eyes, their kidneys, their heart -- and not even realize it."

The disease kills one in six Americans, and costs our healthcare system $73 billion in expenses, according to the study.

Obesity and lack of exercise contribute to high blood pressure, but one of the biggest culprits is salt.

"Americans are getting about twice as much sodium as is recommended," said Megan Baumler, registered dietitian. "This is happening because of how much we're going out to eat and how many convenient foods we're eating, like canned vegetables, canned soups, frozen meals, pre-packaged meals, chips, and cured meats."

Cutting back on salt would yield big health dividends, according to the study -- 11 million people would be spared the condition, saving more than $17 billion in healthcare costs.

Vigilance is also lifesaving.

Doctors say people should get their blood pressure checked at least once a year -- 120 over 80 is the target for most people.

If proper diet and exercise aren't enough, doctors say medications might be the best treatment for some people. Many of these meds are prescribed for patients with heart problems.

The study also asked Medicare and Medicaid programs to reduce out-of-pocket prescription costs, so more people can afford to take those medications.