CDC Foundation Announces New National Hypertension Control Program to Combat Uncontrolled Hypertension

Uncontrolled hypertension, often called the “silent killer,” remains one of the most significant health risks facing Americans today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hypertension contributes to nearly 75 percent of cardiovascular disease deaths in the United States and nearly half of U.S. adults (48.1 percent) have hypertension, but only a fraction of those have it under control. Despite its prevalence, the majority of individuals with hypertension—approximately three in four—do not have their condition under control and many individuals with hypertension are unaware they even have it, as it typically shows no symptoms until a serious health event occurs.

The CDC Foundation, with support from AstraZeneca, is launching a new National Hypertension Control Program aimed at addressing this critical health challenge of uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) in the United States. This program, which will be the newest addition to the CDC Foundation’s Million Hearts® Alliance, will leverage a public-private coalition to combat the growing problem of hypertension, a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease and preventable deaths in the United States.

The National Hypertension Control Program aims to raise awareness of the risks associated with uncontrolled hypertension and highlight actionable steps for prevention and management. The two-year program will implement an evidence-based public health strategy that focuses on three key areas: national awareness campaigns, community outreach and strengthened community-clinician linkages. The program will collaborate with health care, public health, and community partners to develop solutions that educate and empower audiences to take their most effective path to managing hypertension. Strategies will range from working with a physician on a personalized plan to adopting blood pressure-lowering lifestyle changes like increasing physical activity, reducing sodium and managing stress.

“Hypertension is a preventable and manageable condition, but too many people are unaware of its dangers or how to take control of their health,” said Judy Monroe, MD, president and CEO, CDC Foundation. “Drawing on our strength in bringing together public and private partners, the CDC Foundation is taking bold steps to reduce the impact of cardiovascular disease in the United States. This program will help people take control of their health and provide communities with the tools they need to fight uncontrolled hypertension.”

AstraZeneca, a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company, is the first partner of this important initiative. Sarah Walters, vice president, U.S. Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, stated: “We are excited to join the CDC Foundation in raising awareness about uncontrolled and hard-to-treat hypertension and its impact on public health. By accelerating diagnosis and treatment, we can reduce the unnecessary risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and kidney failure— improving long-term health outcomes and, ultimately, patient lives.”

The National Hypertension Control Program will focus on evidence-based best practices, including:

• Engaging Trusted Messengers – Partnering with credible voices to educate consumers and empower them to manage their hypertension effectively.
• Listening and Strengthening Connections – Supporting patients, clinicians, and community organizations with resources that foster stronger ties between healthcare providers and local organizations, ensuring patients can access the tools they need.
• Capacity-Building and Local Impact – Expanding existing local interventions, starting with Atlanta, by strengthening the Atlanta Hypertension Initiative—a collaborative effort among healthcare providers, community organizations, professional associations, and government officials working to improve outcomes in high-need communities.

For more information about the National Hypertension Control Program, visit cdcfoundation.org/hypertension.