NEW YORK -- Healthcare experts from eight leading medical groups gave hypertension treatment in the U.S. an overall grade of "C-" in the first Hypertension Report Card on the Nation. The poor results of the Report Card, which underscore similar findings from other national studies, indicate that hypertension remains a serious health threat despite a generation of efforts to control this silent killer.

"It's surprising that the country with the most advanced medical technology in the world continues to fall short in controlling a condition that is the prelude to the number one killer of our nation -- heart disease," said Harry P. Gavras, M.D., chief, Hypertension and Atherosclerosis Section, Boston University Medical Center and vice chairman, Council for High Blood Pressure Research. "These disappointing results must motivate us to move hypertension back to the top of the nation's health agenda."

Hypertension affects 43 million people nationwide, according to the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and is the number one risk factor for heart disease and stroke. According to data from recent national health studies, approximately 35 percent of people with high blood pressure are unaware of their condition, only 49 percent of those diagnosed with hypertension are receiving treatment, and only 21 percent of people with hypertension have their blood pressure controlled.

No Area of Treatment Receives High Marks

The Hypertension Report Card on the Nation asked some of the nation's leading medical groups to give their opinion on six areas of treatment through a letter grade system. According to the Report Card, no area of hypertension treatment received higher than a "C+." Key findings include:

-- Overall Impressions -- Healthcare professionals gave a grade of "C-" to the overall control of hypertension in this country and the nation's overall concern about the importance of treating high blood pressure.

-- Patient Understanding of Hypertension -- One of the lowest grades, patient understanding of hypertension received a barely passing "D+." The grade indicates that despite years of public education, patients are not aware of the implications of the disease, options for treatment, or how the disease is managed.

-- Physician/Patient Communication -- A "D+" was also given to physician/patient communication. This grade highlights that patients and physicians are not working together effectively to set, and check the progress of, mutually agreed upon treatment goals.

-- Patient Compliance -- Healthcare professionals gave a "C-" to patients' ability to follow a prescribed treatment plan. The grade was based on making lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, taking medication as prescribed and returning for follow-up visits to the doctor's office.

-- Patient Satisfaction -- Healthcare professionals rated their patients' satisfaction with the treatment process a "C-." The grade highlights problem areas such as the time healthcare providers spend communicating with or educating patients, as well as healthcare provider sensitivity to quality of life issues.

-- Current Medications -- A "C+" was given for current medications. While there are more than 60 medications to treat hypertension, overall satisfaction with the availability of effective and well-tolerated medications remains low.

Report Card Implications

"The results indicate that both healthcare professionals and patients must learn to better communicate their goals and together, develop a program that the patient can adhere to," said Ray Gifford, M.D., president, National Hypertension Association. "The Report Card also underscores that lack of compliance and poor communication are major reasons for the inadequate control of this disease. By addressing these issues now, our hope is that future Report Cards will reveal an improved view of hypertension treatment in this country."

While there are numerous medications available to treat high blood pressure, the Report Card found that hypertension experts are far from satisfied with their treatment options.

"The Report Card grades are not surprising given the high noncompliance rate we battle every day," said Henry R. Black, M.D., chairman, Department of Preventive Medicine, Rush Presbyterian - St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago. "One solution is for healthcare professionals and patients to work proactively to find therapies that offer them the fewest side effects and easiest dosing. I am optimistic that we can achieve this goal, particularly in light of some of the newer medications available."

The Hypertension Report Card on the Nation was underwritten by Merck & Co. Inc. and was completed by members from the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the American College of Cardiology, the American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Preventive Medicine, the National Black Nurses' Association, the International Society on Hypertension in Blacks, the National Hypertension Association and representatives of the Council for High Blood Pressure Research. The Hypertension Report Card on the Nation was compiled from the results of self-administered surveys completed by hypertension thought leaders and was tabulated by Ketchum Public Relations Research and Measurement Department.

Merck & Co. Inc. is a leading research-driven pharmaceutical products and services company. Merck discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of innovative products to improve human and animal health. The Merck Medco Managed Care Division manages pharmacy benefits for more than 40 million Americans, encouraging the appropriate use of medicines and providing disease management programs. Through these complementary capabilities, Merck works to improve quality of life and control overall healthcare costs.

CONTACT: Merck | John Bloomfield, 215/652-7485 | or | Ketchum Public Relations | Heather Berg, 212/878-4682