NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 107 ■ October 2012

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center for Health Statistics

Hypertension Among Adults in the United States, 2009–2010

Sung Sug Yoon, R.N., Ph.D.; Vicki Burt, R.N., Sc.M.; Tatiana Louis, M.S.; 

and Margaret D. Carroll, M.S.P.H.

Key findings 

Data from the National 

Health and Nutrition 

Examination Survey, 2009–

2010

• The overall age-adjusted 

prevalence of hypertension 

among U.S. adults aged 18 and 

over was 28.6% in 2009–2010; 

there was no significant change 

from 2007–2008 (29.7%). 

• Among adults with 

hypertension in 2009–2010, 

81.9% were aware of their 

hypertension.

• Among adults with 

hypertension in 2009–2010, 

76.4% were currently taking 

medication to lower their blood 

pressure.

• The age-adjusted percentage 

of adults with hypertension 

whose blood pressure was 

controlled increased from 

48.4% in 2007–2008 to 53.3% 

in 2009–2010.

Significant increases have been seen over the past 10 years in hypertension 

awareness, treatment, and control among adults with hypertension. However, 

less than 50% of adults with hypertension controlled their blood pressure 

(BP) in 2007–2008 (1). The high prevalence of undiagnosed and uncontrolled 

hypertension, especially among minority groups, remains a challenge (2,3). 

A recent prediction model showed that every 10% increase in hypertension 

treatment could prevent an additional 14,000 deaths per year in the adult 

population ages 25–79 (4). This report examines the most recent national data 

on hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control. 

Keywords: hypertension prevalence • hypertension treatment • high blood 

pressure 

What was the age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension 

among U.S. adults, and were there differences by age, 

gender, or race and Hispanic origin?

• The age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension among U.S. adults aged 18 

and over was 28.6% in 2009–2010 (Figure 1). There was no significant 

Figure 1. Age-specific and age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension among adults aged 18 and 

over: United States, 2009–2010

† Significant linear trend.

‡ Significantly different from non-Hispanic black persons.

NOTE: Access data table for Figure 1 at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db107_tables.pdf#1.

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

0 10 20 30 40

Percent

50 60 70 80

Race and ethnicity

Sex

Men

Women

Hispanic‡

Non-Hispanic white‡

Non-Hispanic black

Age (years)†

18–39

40–59

60 and over

Overall 28.6

6.8

30.4

66.7

29.4

27.5

26.1

27.4

40.4
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 107 ■ October 2012

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change from 2007–2008. 

• The prevalence of hypertension was 6.8% among those aged 18–39, 30.4% for those aged 

40–59, and 66.7% for those aged 60 and over.

• The age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension was higher among non-Hispanic black persons 

(40.4%) than among non-Hispanic white persons (27.4%) or Hispanic persons (26.1%). 

Has overall awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension changed 

since 2007–2008? 

• Among adults with hypertension in 2009–2010, 81.9% were aware of their hypertension and 

76.4% reported currently taking prescribed medication to lower their BP (Figure 2). There 

was no change from 2007–2008 in the awareness and treatment of hypertension.

• Among adults with hypertension, the percentage with controlled hypertension increased 

from 48.4% in 2007–2008 to 53.3% in 2009–2010.

† Significant difference between the two time periods.

NOTE: Access data table for Figure 2 at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db107_tables.pdf#2.

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Figure 2. Age-adjusted awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension among adults with hypertension: United States, 

2007–2010 Percent

2007–2008 2009–2010

80.6 81.9

71.6

76.4

48.4

53.3

0

20

40

60

80

100

Control Tr † Awareness eatment
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Did the age-adjusted awareness and treatment of hypertension among U.S. 

adults with hypertension differ by age, gender, or race and Hispanic origin? 

• Among adults with hypertension, awareness of hypertension among those aged 18–39 

(58.7%) was lower than among those aged 40–59 (84.1%) and those aged 60 and over 

(84.1%) (Figure 3). Current use of medication to lower BP showed a similar tendency 

(46.0% for those aged 18–39 compared with 77.1% for ages 40–59 and 80.7% for ages 

60 and over). There were no significant differences in the awareness and treatment of 

hypertension between adults aged 40–59 and those aged 60 and over.

• Men with hypertension were less likely than women to be aware of their condition and to be 

currently taking antihypertensive medication. Awareness among men was 79.6% compared 

with 84.9% for women; treatment among men was 73.1% compared with 80.6% for women.

• Non-Hispanic black adults were more aware of their hypertension (87.0%) than were 

Hispanic adults (77.7%). Also, Hispanic adults with hypertension were less likely to take 

antihypertensive medication (69.6%) compared with non-Hispanic white adults (76.6%) and 

non-Hispanic black adults (79.7%).

† Significantly different from those aged 18–39. 

‡ Significant difference between the two groups.

§ Significantly different from Hispanic persons.

NOTE: Access data table for Figure 3 at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db107_tables.pdf#3.

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Figure 3. Age-specific and age-adjusted awareness and treatment of hypertension among adults with hypertension: 

United States, 2009–2010 

Percent

Race and ethnicity

Hispanic

Non-Hispanic white

Non-Hispanic black§

Sex

Men

Women‡

Age (years)

18–39

40–59†

60 and over†

Race and ethnicity

Hispanic

Non-Hispanic white§

Non-Hispanic black§

Sex‡

Men

Women

Age (years)

18–39

40–59†

60 and over†

0 20 40 60 80 100

Awareness

Treatment

58.7

84.1

84.1

79.6

84.9

77.7

81.4

87.0

46.0

77.1

80.7

73.1

80.6

69.6

76.6

79.7
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Did the age-adjusted control of hypertension among adults with 

hypertension differ by age, gender, or race and Hispanic origin in the 

United States in 2009–2010? 

• Among adults with hypertension, those aged 18–39 were less likely to have controlled high 

BP (32.8%) than those aged 40–59 (55.7%) or 60 and over (54.9%) (Figure 4). 

• Age-adjusted hypertension control among adults with hypertension was higher for women 

(57.5%) than for men (50.4%). 

• Age-adjusted control of hypertension was greater among non-Hispanic white adults with 

hypertension (56.3%) compared with non-Hispanic black adults (47.9%) and Hispanic 

adults (40.7%) with hypertension.

† Significantly different from those aged 18–39. 

‡ Significant difference between the two groups.

§ Significantly different from non-Hispanic white persons.

NOTE: Access data table for Figure 4 at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db107_tables.pdf#4.

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Figure 4. Age-specific and age-adjusted control of hypertension among adults with hypertension: United States, 

2009–2010 

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Race and ethnicity

Hispanic§

Non-Hispanic white

Non-Hispanic black§

Sex‡

Men

Women

Age (years)

18–39

40–59†

60 and over†

Percent

55.7

32.8

54.9

50.4

57.5

40.7

56.3

47.9
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 107 ■ October 2012

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Summary

The age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension among U.S. adults was 28.6% in 2009–2010. 

Among adults with hypertension, 81.9% were aware of their hypertension and 76.4% were 

currently taking medication to lower their BP. There have been significant increases in 

hypertension control over time among persons with hypertension, from 48.4% in 2007–2008 to 

53.3% in 2009–2010. 

Awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the U.S. adult population were significantly 

higher among women with hypertension than among men with hypertension. A higher percentage 

of non-Hispanic black adults with hypertension were aware of their hypertension and were taking 

medication to lower BP, compared with non-Hispanic white adults and Hispanic adults. However, 

non-Hispanic black adults had a lower percentage of hypertension control than non-Hispanic 

white adults. Hypertension control among non-Hispanic white adults was higher than among nonHispanic black adults or Hispanic adults. 

Definitions

Hypertension: Systolic BP greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg, or diastolic BP greater than or 

equal to 90 mm Hg, or currently taking medication to lower high BP (5,6). 

Awareness of hypertension: An affirmative response to the question, “Have you ever been told 

by a doctor or health professional that you had hypertension, also called high blood pressure?” 

Calculated among those with hypertension. Estimates are age-adjusted among hypertensives.

Treatment for hypertension: Currently taking medication to lower BP, based on affirmative 

responses to the following questions: (a) “Because of your high blood pressure/hypertension, 

have you ever been told to take prescribed medicine?” and (b) “Are you now following this 

advice to take prescribed medicine?” Calculated among those with hypertension. Estimates are 

age-adjusted among hypertensives.

Controlled hypertension: Having systolic BP less than 140 mm Hg and diastolic BP less than 90 

mm Hg among those with hypertension (3,4). Estimates are age-adjusted among hypertensives.

Data source and methods

Data for this report are from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 

conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Health 

Statistics (NCHS). NHANES is a cross-sectional survey designed to monitor the health and 

nutritional status of the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. population (7). The survey consists of 

interviews conducted in the participant’s home; a standardized physical examination that includes 

measurement of BP, weight, and height, conducted in a mobile examination center; and laboratory 

tests utilizing the blood and urine specimens provided by the participant during the physical 

examination.

The NHANES sample is selected through a complex, multistage design that includes the selection 

of primary sampling units (i.e., counties), household segments within the counties, households 

within household segments, and sample participants from selected households. The sample 
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 107 ■ October 2012

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design includes oversampling to obtain reliable estimates of health and nutritional measures for 

population subgroups. In 1999, NHANES became a continuous survey, fielded on an ongoing 

basis. Each year of data collection is based on a representative sample covering all ages. Publicuse data files are released in 2-year cycles.

The average of up to three brachial systolic and diastolic BP readings was used to obtain systolic 

and diastolic values. Nearly all participants (98.3%) had two or three complete BP measurements. 

For participants with only one BP reading (1.4%), that single measurement was used. All BP 

readings were obtained during a participant’s physical examination. BP was measured in a mobile 

examination center by trained physicians following a standard protocol. Appropriate BP cuff sizes 

were used for participants based on measurement of mid-arm circumference. 

Sample weights, which account for the differential probabilities of selection and are adjusted for 

nonresponse and noncoverage, were incorporated into the estimation process. Because of the 

complex multistage design of NHANES, the survey data must be weighted in order to produce 

national estimates. The standard errors of the percentages were estimated using Taylor series 

linearization, a method that incorporates the sample weights and accounts for the complex sample 

design.

Statistical analyses were performed using the statistical packages SAS for Windows, version 9.2 

(SAS Institute, Cary, N.C.) and SUDAAN, version 10.0 (RTI International, Research Triangle 

Park, N.C.). Age-adjusted prevalence estimates were calculated for race and Hispanic origin 

and sex, using SUDAAN PROC DESCRIPT and the 2000 U.S. census projected population 

age groups of 18–39 years, 40–59 years, and 60 years and over (8). Age-adjusted prevalence of 

awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension were calculated using the subpopulation of 

persons who had hypertension. Differences in distribution of prevalence, awareness, treatment, 

and control by sex, age group, and race and Hispanic origin were tested using chi-squared tests. 

For comparison of estimates by age and race and Hispanic origin, adjustments for multiple 

comparisons were made using the Bonferroni method by dividing 0.05 by the number of implied 

comparisons. All differences reported are statistically significant unless otherwise indicated. 

Statistical tests were considered significant when p < 0.05 (two-tailed).

About the authors

Sung Sug (Sarah) Yoon, Vicki Burt, Tatiana Louis, and Margaret Carroll are with CDC’s National 

Center for Health Statistics, Division of Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

References

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treatment and control, 1999–2008. NCHS data brief, no 48. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for 

Health Statistics. 2010. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db48.pdf.

2. Fryar CD, Hirsch R, Eberhardt MS, et al. Hypertension, high serum total cholesterol, and 

diabetes: Racial and ethnic prevalence differences in U.S. adults, 1999–2006. NCHS data brief, 

no 36. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2010. Available from: http://www.

cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db36.pdf.
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 107 ■ October 2012

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3. Gillespie C, Kuklina EV, Briss PA, Blair NA, Hong Y. Vital signs: Prevalence, treatment, 

and control of hypertension—United States, 1999–2002 and 2005–2008. MMWR 60(04):103–8. 

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improvements in use of clinical preventive services. Am J Prev Med 38(6):600–9. 2010. 

5. Chobanian AV, Bakris GL, Black HR, Cushman WC, Green LA, Izzo JL Jr, et al. The seventh 

report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of 

High Blood Pressure: The JNC 7 report. JAMA 289(19):2560–72. 2003.

6. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Health information for the public. Explore high 

blood pressure. 2012. Available from: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbp/. 

Accessed May 2012. 

7. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) examination manuals. 

Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 1999–2000, 2001–2002, 2003–2004, 

2005–2006. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/about_nhanes.htm. Accessed 

August 2012.

8. Klein RJ, Schoenborn CA. Age adjustment using the 2000 projected U.S. population. Healthy 

People 2010 statistical notes, no 20. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2001. 

Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/statnt/statnt20.pdf.
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Suggested citation

Yoon SS, Burt V, Louis T, Carroll MD. 

Hypertension among adults in the United 

States, 2009–2010. NCHS data brief, no 

107. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for 

Health Statistics. 2012.

Copyright information

All material appearing in this report is in 

the public domain and may be reproduced 

or copied without permission; citation as to 

source, however, is appreciated.

National Center for Health 

Statistics

Edward J. Sondik, Ph.D., Director

Jennifer H. Madans, Ph.D., Associate 

Director for Science

Division of Health and Nutrition 

Examination Surveys

Clifford L. Johnson, M.S.P.H., Director

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