Exploring Collaborative Opportunities to Implement IOM Recommendations for Hypertension Control and Prevention

Authors: Qaiser Mukhtar, Kathryn Gallagher

Objective:  Hypertension is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.  Annually, it is responsible for almost one in six adult deaths. While one in three US adults has hypertension, 76% of adults with diabetes age 20 and older have hypertension. The IOM recommends policy and system level changes to prevent and control hypertension. The speakers will highlight and explore opportunities for diabetes and heart disease and stroke prevention programs to collaborate in improving hypertension.

Methods: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asked the IOM to identify high-priority areas for public health organizations and professionals to accelerate progress in hypertension reduction and control. The IOM report was released on February 22nd, 2010.

Results: The IOM recommends that the CDC, state, and local health jurisdictions focus on evidence based approaches such as reducing sodium intake, increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables, and increasing physical activity. They also recommend improving providers’ adherence to hypertension treatment guidelines and reducing medication costs to improve medication adherence.

Conclusion: The IOM report calls for promotion of policies that make it easier for people to engage in regular physical activity, cut calories, and reduce their intake of foods containing high levels of sodium while increasing exposure and access to produce and foods containing potassium.  Accomplishing these aims will require effective and active collaboration among CDC programs and their partners in the public and private sectors. Speakers will highlight collaboration opportunities for diabetes and heart disease and stroke prevention programs.