The state Department of Health has received a $135,000 grant to combat high blood pressure, which it says is the leading cause of death in Indiana.
The department’s Division of Chronic Disease, Primary Care and Rural Health was among five applicants chosen for grants from the Association of State and Territorial Officials.
The money will be used to identify people who aren’t aware they have hypertension. The nine-month grant also will help those diagnosed with high blood pressure manage their condition so that it doesn’t escalate and cause more severe health problems.
Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke, and uncontrolled hypertension affects 36 million people. Health officials say nearly 40 percent of those with uncontrolled hypertension don’t know they have it.
