BIDMC scientists say many Americans are unaware they have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol

A group of specialists from the Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) released findings revealing a high amount of adults living in the U.S. don’t know they have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

Key findings:

·      Percentages of people unaware of these conditions were highest among young adults.

·      Hypertension unawareness increased the most. Diabetes and high cholesterol unawareness stayed the same.

·      The study’s lead author thought “Awareness may have worsened in these populations due to barriers to accessing primary care and preventive services.”

The study is published in JAMA Cardiology.