The impact of hypertension (high blood pressure) on commercially insured Americans

The impact of hypertension (high blood pressure) on commercially insured americans
A study based on the BCBS Health Index
HYPERTENSION health impact ACROSS THE NATION
HYPERTENSION health impact PREVALENCE
People who have hypertension are also more likely to have other chronic and cardio-related conditions
2016 Prevalence of Select Conditions
Cholesterol
Artery Disease
Failure
HYPERTENSION prevalence MEN vs WOMEN
Men suffer from hypertension more than women
2016 Hypertension Prevalence
Therefore, men are at greater risk for several other cardiovascular conditions.
Health Impact by Condition
Artery Disease
Artery Disease
Artery Disease
Artery Disease
Hypertension increases with age
Although the lowest prevalence for hypertension is among millennials (18-34 year olds) – hypertension is growing fastest in this age group.
Change in prevalence of hypertension by age group from 2014 to 2016
HYPERTENSION health impact BY REGION
Hypertension impacts various regions of the country to differing degrees.
Average
Average
HYPERTENSION health impact BY COUNTY TYPE
Hypertension has a higher toll on health in rural and suburban counties, especially among young adults.
Average
Average
HYPERTENSION health impact BY INCOME LEVEL
2016 Hypertension HEALTH IMPACT by County Median Income Quintiles
National
Average
with lowest income
quintile
with highest income
HYPERTENSION HEALTH IMPACT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Northwest
2016 hypertension treatment costs
Costs (per patient per year) to treat a patient with hypertension are flat or declining.
flat for 18-34 year olds
show the greatest decrease (-7%)
flat for 18-34 year olds
show the greatest decrease (7%)
2016 hypertension treatment costs
BCBS claims data for commercially insured members showed a 28% decline in prescription drug costs for hypertension from 2014 to 2016.
2016 Cost BY TYPE OF SPENDING

Myth or Medicine: Does eating salt cause hypertension?
View the full Second Opinion episode on hypertension.