The study by David J. Hyman and Valory N. Pavlik examines the characteristics of patients with uncontrolled hypertension in the United States, using data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). The analysis focuses on the role of access to and use of healthcare in the control of hypertension. Key findings include: 1. **Prevalence of Hypertension**: Out of 16,095 adults, 27% were estimated to have hypertension, but only 23% were taking medications to control it. 2. **Unawareness and Untreated Hypertension**: Among those with untreated or uncontrolled hypertension, systolic blood pressure was elevated while diastolic blood pressure was below 90 mm Hg. 3. **Demographic Predictors**: Age 65 years or older, male sex, non-Hispanic black race, and not visiting a physician in the past year were significant predictors of lack of awareness of hypertension. 4. **Control of Hypertension**: Similar variables, except for non-Hispanic black race, were associated with poor control of hypertension among those aware of their condition. 5. **Health Insurance**: Despite the lack of awareness and poor control, the majority of subjects with uncontrolled hypertension had health insurance and frequent contact with physicians. 6. **age 65 years**: This age group accounted for the greatest proportion of the attributable risk of both lack of awareness and poor control of hypertension. The study concludes that most cases of uncontrolled hypertension in the United States involve isolated, mild systolic hypertension in older adults, many of whom have access to healthcare and regular physician visits. The findings challenge the stereotype that uncontrolled hypertension is primarily a problem for young, non-compliant patients and highlight the need for effective therapeutic regimens to manage hypertension in this population.The study by David J. Hyman and Valory N. Pavlik examines the characteristics of patients with uncontrolled hypertension in the United States, using data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). The analysis focuses on the role of access to and use of healthcare in the control of hypertension. Key findings include: 1. **Prevalence of Hypertension**: Out of 16,095 adults, 27% were estimated to have hypertension, but only 23% were taking medications to control it. 2. **Unawareness and Untreated Hypertension**: Among those with untreated or uncontrolled hypertension, systolic blood pressure was elevated while diastolic blood pressure was below 90 mm Hg. 3. **Demographic Predictors**: Age 65 years or older, male sex, non-Hispanic black race, and not visiting a physician in the past year were significant predictors of lack of awareness of hypertension. 4. **Control of Hypertension**: Similar variables, except for non-Hispanic black race, were associated with poor control of hypertension among those aware of their condition. 5. **Health Insurance**: Despite the lack of awareness and poor control, the majority of subjects with uncontrolled hypertension had health insurance and frequent contact with physicians. 6. **age 65 years**: This age group accounted for the greatest proportion of the attributable risk of both lack of awareness and poor control of hypertension. The study concludes that most cases of uncontrolled hypertension in the United States involve isolated, mild systolic hypertension in older adults, many of whom have access to healthcare and regular physician visits. The findings challenge the stereotype that uncontrolled hypertension is primarily a problem for young, non-compliant patients and highlight the need for effective therapeutic regimens to manage hypertension in this population.