Hypertension screening of 1 million Americans. Community Hypertension Evaluation Clinic (CHEC) program, 1973 through 1975

Authors:
  • JSJ Stamler
    J Stamler
  • RSR Stamler
    R Stamler
  • WRW F Riedlinger
    W F Riedlinger
  • GAG Algera
    G Algera
  • RRR H Roberts
    R H Roberts
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Abstract
During 1973 through 1975, more than 1 million persons were screened in the nationwide USA Community Hypertension Evaluation Clinic (CHEC) program at 1171 sites. While those screened were not from defined populations, findings paralleled those of recent surveys of USA population samples. CHEC confirmed the scope of the problem of elevated blood pressure in the USA. Of those screened, 247 of 1000 had a diastolic reading of 90 mm Hg or higher; 116 of 1000 had a reading of 95 mm Hg or greater. Prevalence of elevated blood pressure rose with age up to age 50 yr, was higher in blacks than in whites, and was higher in men than in women. CHEC data confirmed the challenge of undetected, untreated and uncontrolled hypertension. Previously undetected hypertension was present in 27.7% of hypertensive people, detected but untreated in 10.7% and treated but uncontrolled in 16.7%, totaling 55.1%.