Analysis of data from the high blood pressure registry and other sources shows that hypertension continues to be a leading driver of premature mortality across Rochester and the Finger Lakes region. African Americans are particularly vulnerable to the chronic illness, experiencing premature morality rates from hypertension related illnesses that are three times higher than for whites.

The good news is that the region's many clinical and community initiatives to treat and prevent hypertension have led to double digit improvements in high blood pressure control rates and other measures over recent years.

View all eight data slides for these and other high blood pressure insights: