But, despite these successes, "We need to renew our efforts together to make sure that more people have their blood pressure measured, and their hypertension recognized and treated," says Daniel W. Jones, M.D., co-author of the article. Jones stresses that treatment itself is not the whole answer. He says physicians should make sure the treatment is effective in reducing blood pressures to the goal --- the level identified as beneficial for preventing cardiovascular disease.

According to American Heart Association statistics, more than 31 percent of people with hypertension are unaware they have it. In addition, 26.2 percent of people with hypertension are on medication for it but do not have it under control.

Jones says "Hypertension is still a public health problem that needs a better solution."

Roughly 16 percent of hypertension patients were controlled to less than 160/95 mm Hg --- the goal at the time--- in 1972. A recent survey indicates about 29 percent of patients are currently controlled at the goal of less than 140/90 mm Hg.

Treatment to goal is especially critical when one considers the demographics of the aging population and rising trends in obesity and sedentary lifestyles, says Jones. A recent analysis predicts that current middle-aged Americans face a 90 percent chance of developing hypertension at some time during their lives.

Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death in this country. Current blood pressure goals may not be low enough, especially for people who have diabetes, according to Jones. The current goal for standard blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg. For people with diabetes the goal is less than 130/85 mm Hg.

"There is increasing evidence that lower numbers are better. In recent years we have recognized that lower pressures are needed in certain groups, particularly those with diabetes. There's a good chance that the goals will continue to be reduced," he says.