CDC: Americans' high blood pressure 'out of control'

Nearly one in three Americans has high blood pressure and more than half of those cases are "out of control," according to federal health officials.

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that high blood pressure contributes to nearly 1,000 deaths per day by increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Sixty-seven million Americans have high blood pressure, and of these, 36 million cases are uncontrolled, according to the report. Another 16 million Americans take medication from the condition but still struggle, the report found.

The CDC estimates that healthcare costs related to high blood pressure top $130 billion annually.

"We have to roll up our sleeves and make blood pressure control a priority every day, with every patient, at every doctor’s visit," CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden said in a statement.

"With increased focus and collaboration among patients, healthcare providers and healthcare systems, we can help 10 million Americans’ blood pressure come into control in the next five years."

The figures were released as part of the CDC's monthly "Vital Signs" series.

The American Heart Associated touted the release of the study and advocated for a team-based care model to attack the problem.

"A team-based approach to hypertension can help ensure that patients with this condition get the best quality care," said American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown in a statement.

"Team-based care models also help address the efficiency, access and cost issues facing our nation’s healthcare system by using each healthcare professional to the fullest extent of their training and skill."

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