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Based on the National Health and Nutrition Survey period 2017–2018, about 45% of adults in the United States have a blood pressure greater than 130/80 mm Hg or are being treated for hypertension. About 80% of people with hypertension are aware of the diagnosis and 75% are receiving treatment, but hypertension is controlled in only 52% of those affected. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality increase as both systolic and diastolic blood pressures rise, but in individuals over age 50 years, the systolic pressure and pulse pressure are better predictors of complications than diastolic pressure. The prevalence of hypertension increases with age. Adequate blood pressure control reduces the incidence of acute coronary syndrome by 20–25%, stroke by 30–35%, and heart failure by 50%.