0
0
June 7, 2025 — Nearly half of American adults are living with high blood pressure, a leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke, yet a significant portion remain unaware of what constitutes high blood pressure or that it often presents without any noticeable symptoms, according to a new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC).
Widespread Misconceptions About Hypertension
The nationally representative survey, conducted in April 2025 among 1,653 U.S. adults, reveals that only 13% of Americans correctly identified the current threshold for high blood pressure—130/80 mm Hg or higher—as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many respondents still believe the outdated cutoff of 140/90 mm Hg is correct, despite guidelines being updated in 2017.
Perhaps more concerning, over a third of Americans mistakenly believe that high blood pressure almost always causes noticeable symptoms such as dizziness or shortness of breath. In reality, high blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it typically has no symptoms until serious complications arise.
“Because controlling blood pressure reduces one’s risk of serious health problems, including heart attacks and strokes, correcting misperceptions about ways to identify it should be a public health priority,” said Patrick E. Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Health and Risk Communication Institute.
Knowledge Gaps and Behavioral Disconnects
The survey also found that nearly 40% of respondents incorrectly associate feeling calm and relaxed with having normal blood pressure, a belief not supported by medical evidence. On the positive side, 80% of Americans accurately recognize that a family history of high blood pressure does not mean nothing can be done to reduce risk.
While most Americans are familiar with healthy behaviors that can lower blood pressure—such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, eating a nutritious diet, reducing salt intake, and taking prescribed medication—fewer actually practice these habits regularly. For example, although 88–92% say they are likely to follow their doctor’s recommendations, only 57–72% report actually engaging in these healthy behaviors more than once a week.
High Blood Pressure: A Silent, Widespread Threat
According to the CDC, high blood pressure was a primary or contributing cause of over 685,000 deaths in the United States in 2022. The survey found that 35% of respondents have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, and 69% have a family member with the condition.
Despite its prevalence, confusion remains. About a quarter of respondents were unsure at what point a blood pressure reading is considered high, and many still rely on outdated information.
Taking Action: What Americans Can Do
Experts emphasize the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring, especially since hypertension often lacks warning signs. The American Heart Association recommends checking blood pressure at home at the same time each day and consulting with healthcare professionals about how often to measure it.
Simple lifestyle changes—like reducing salt intake, eating a balanced diet, exercising, and taking medication as prescribed—can significantly lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Survey Methodology
The APPC survey is part of an ongoing effort to track Americans’ knowledge and behaviors regarding major health issues. This 24th wave was conducted by SSRS using a random probability sampling design, with a margin of error of ±3.4 percentage points.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. For more detailed information, visit the original source at Medical Xpress.
