Prevalence of uncontrolled risk factors for cardiovascular disease: United States, 1999-2010

Abstract

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States (1). High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are all risk factors that could lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke. The recently announced Million Hearts Initiative is aimed at preventing 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next 5 years (2–4). This report expands on results previously published (2) by presenting the most recent prevalence estimates and trends of uncontrolled high blood pressure, uncontrolled high levels of low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDL-C), and current cigarette smoking among adults aged 20 and over.

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