Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease

In the San Jose study, 36% reported having high blood pressure. Much lower rates of other cardiovascular-related disease risk factors were found. For example, 8% reported having elevated cholesterol (however 32% said they did not know their cholesterol levels), 8% were currently smokers, and 72% were currently exercising on a regular basis. Even though they expressed little interest in, or knowledge of, cardiovascular risk factors, 82% reported they had made changes to improve their health in the last five years. Approximately half reported each of the following: eating less salt, less red meat or eggs, or eating more fiber, fruits, and vegetables (Lee et al., 1993).