Percentage of patients 18-85 years of age who had a diagnosis of hypertension and whose blood pressure was adequately controlled (<140/90mmHg) during the measurement period.

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Hypertension is a very significant health issue in the United States. Fifty million or more Americans have high blood pressure that warrants treatment, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) survey (Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure 2003). The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that clinicians screen adults aged 18 and older for high blood pressure (United States Preventive Services Task Force 2007).

The most frequent and serious complications of uncontrolled hypertension include coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, ruptured aortic aneurysm, renal disease, and retinopathy. The increased risks of hypertension are present in individuals ranging from 40 to 89 years of age. For every 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic increase in blood pressure, there is a doubling of mortality from both ischemic heart disease and stroke (Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure 2003).

Better control of blood pressure has been shown to significantly reduce the probability that these undesirable and costly outcomes will occur. The relationship between the measure (control of hypertension) and the long-term clinical outcomes listed is well established. In clinical trials, antihypertensive therapy has been associated with reductions in stroke incidence (35-40 percent), myocardial infarction incidence (20-25 percent) and heart failure incidence (>50 percent) (Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure 2003).

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (2007) recommends screening for high blood pressure in adults age 18 years and older. This is a grade A recommendation. 

Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (2003): Treating systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure to targets that are <140/90 mmHg is associated with a decrease in cardiovascular disease complications.

Higher score indicates better quality

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. 2007. “Screening for high blood pressure: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force reaffirmation recommendation statement.” Ann Intern Med 147(11):783-6.

Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. 2003. “Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.” NIH Publication No. 035233.

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In reference to the numerator element, only blood pressure readings performed by a clinician in the provider office are acceptable for numerator compliance with this measure. Blood pressure readings from the patient's home (including readings directly from monitoring devices) are not acceptable. 

If no blood pressure is recorded during the measurement period, the patient’s blood pressure is assumed “not controlled.”

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Patients 18-85 years of age who had a diagnosis of essential hypertension within the first six months of the measurement period or any time prior to the measurement period

Equals Initial Patient Population

Patients with evidence of end stage renal disease (ESRD), dialysis or renal transplant before or during the measurement period. Also exclude patients with a diagnosis of pregnancy during the measurement period.

Patients whose blood pressure at the most recent visit is adequately controlled (systolic blood pressure < 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg) during the measurement period.

Not Applicable

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Not Applicable

Not Applicable

For every patient evaluated by this measure also identify payer, race, ethnicity and sex.