Another study links obesity and hypertension

An article on Bloomberg links the rise in hypertension to obesity. Some of the numbers reported are staggering.

1. 66% of Americans are overweight or obese.
2. 28.9% of Americans suffer from hypertension. A rise of 4.5% since 1994.
3. Risk of developing hypertension rose to 36.1% from 32.3%. An increase of 3.8%.
4. "High blood pressure increases the risk of developing heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta."
   

There is a real cost associated with this rise in hypertension. While the study found stronger links between obesity and hypertension in men, the rise is costing Americans billions. While there may also be a genetic component to the disease, weight control and exercise are probably the best way to lower the disease. This must also be complemented with preventive management of the disease through proper diagnosis and treatment.