Indicator Definitions: Risk Factors


Hypertension

Prevalence of hypertension among US adults (18+); BRFSS

Measure: Self-report: “Have you ever been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that you have high blood pressure? (If “Yes” and respondent is female, “Was this only when you were pregnant?”). Excludes gestational hypertension. Numerator: Adults (18+) who answered “yes” to the question “”Have you ever been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that you have high blood pressure?” Excludes women who reported gestational hypertension only. Denominator: Adults (18+) who answered “yes” or “no” to the question “”Have you ever been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that you have high blood pressure?”

Data Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (BRFSS)

Prevalence of hypertension medication use among US adults (18+) with hypertension; BRFSS

Measure: Self-report: “Are you currently taking medicine for your high blood pressure?” Excludes gestational hypertension. Numerator: Adults (18+) who answered “yes” to the question “Are you currently taking medicine for your high blood pressure?” Denominator: Adults (18+) who answered “yes” to the question “”Have you ever been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that you have high blood pressure?” Excludes women who reported gestational hypertension only.

Data Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (BRFSS)

Prevalence of hypertension (BP ≥140/90) among US adults (18+); NHANES

Measure: Measured blood pressure: based on the average of up to 3 measurements taken during the MEC examination. Self-report: “Because of your (high blood pressure/hypertension), have you ever been told to take prescribed medicine?” and “Are you now taking prescribed medicine?” Numerator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with an average systolic BP>=140 mmHg, an average diastolic BP >=90 mmHg, or self-reported current use of BP-lowering medication. Denominator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with at least 1 complete BP measurement and self-reported BP-lowering medication use information.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Prevalence of hypertension awareness among US adults (18+) with hypertension (BP ≥140/90); NHANES

 Measure: Self-report: “Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had hypertension, also called high blood pressure?” Numerator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with hypertension who answered “yes” to the question “Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had hypertension, also called high blood pressure?” Denominator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with hypertension, defined as an average systolic BP>=140 mmHg, an average diastolic BP >=90 mmHg, or self-reported current use of BP-lowering medication.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Prevalence of hypertension medication use among US adults (18+) with hypertension (BP ≥140/90); NHANES

Measure: Self-report: “Because of your (high blood pressure/hypertension), have you ever been told to take prescribed medicine?” and “Are you now taking prescribed medicine?” Numerator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with hypertension who answered “yes” to the questions “Because of your (high blood pressure/hypertension), have you ever been told to take prescribed medicine?” and “Are you now taking prescribed medicine?” Denominator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with hypertension, defined as an average systolic BP>=130 mmHg, an average diastolic BP>=80 mmHg, or self-reported current use of BP-lowering medication.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Prevalence of blood pressure control among US adults (18+) with hypertension (BP ≥140/90); NHANES

Measure: Measured blood pressure: based on the average of up to 3 measurements taken during the MEC examination. Numerator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with an average systolic BP<140 mmHg and an average diastolic BP <90 mmHg. Denominator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with hypertension, defined as an average systolic BP>=140 mmHg, an average diastolic BP >=90 mmHg, or self-reported current use of BP-lowering medication.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Prevalence of prehypertension (BP 130/80-139/89) among US adults (18+); NHANES

Measure: Measured blood pressure: based on the average of up to 3 measurements taken during the MEC examination. Self-report: “Because of your (high blood pressure/hypertension), have you ever been told to take prescribed medicine?” and “Are you now taking prescribed medicine?” Numerator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with an average systolic BP 120-139 mmHg or an average diastolic BP 80-89 mmHg and no self-reported use of BP-lowering medication. Denominator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with at least 1 complete BP measurement and self-reported BP-lowering medication use information.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Prevalence of hypertension (BP ≥130/90) among US adults (18+); NHANES

Measure: Measured blood pressure: based on the average of up to 3 measurements taken during the MEC examination. Self-report: “Because of your (high blood pressure/hypertension), have you ever been told to take prescribed medicine?” and “Are you now taking prescribed medicine?” Numerator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with an average systolic BP>=130 mmHg, an average diastolic BP >=80 mmHg, or self-reported current use of BP-lowering medication. Denominator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with at least 1 complete BP measurement and self-reported BP-lowering medication use information.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Prevalence of hypertension awareness among US adults (18+) with hypertension (BP ≥130/90); NHANES

Measure: Self-report: “Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had hypertension, also called high blood pressure?” Numerator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with hypertension who answered “yes” to the question “Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had hypertension, also called high blood pressure?” Denominator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with hypertension, defined as an average systolic BP>=130 mmHg, an average diastolic BP >=80 mmHg, or self-reported current use of BP-lowering medication.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Prevalence of hypertension medication use among US adults (18+) with hypertension (BP ≥130/90); NHANES

Measure: Self-report: “Because of your (high blood pressure/hypertension), have you ever been told to take prescribed medicine?” and “Are you now taking prescribed medicine?” Numerator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with hypertension who answered “yes” to the questions “Because of your (high blood pressure/hypertension), have you ever been told to take prescribed medicine?” and “Are you now taking prescribed medicine?” Denominator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with hypertension, defined as an average systolic BP>=130 mmHg, an average diastolic BP >=80 mmHg, or self-reported current use of BP-lowering medication.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Prevalence of blood pressure control among US adults (18+) with hypertension (BP ≥130/90); NHANES

 Measure: Measured blood pressure: based on the average of up to 3 measurements taken during the MEC examination. Numerator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with an average systolic BP<130 mmHg and an average diastolic BP <80 mmHg. Denominator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with hypertension, defined as an average systolic BP>=130 mmHg, an average diastolic BP >=80 mmHg, or self-reported current use of BP-lowering medication.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Prevalence of prehypertension (BP 120/80 – 129/80) among US adults (18+); NHANES

Measure: Measured blood pressure: based on the average of up to 3 measurements taken during the MEC examination. Self-report: “Because of your (high blood pressure/hypertension), have you ever been told to take prescribed medicine?” and “Are you now taking prescribed medicine?” Numerator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with an average systolic BP 120-129 mmHg and an average diastolic BP <80 mmHg and no self-reported use of BP-lowering medication. Denominator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with at least 1 complete BP measurement and self-reported BP-lowering medication use information.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Prevalence of hypertension among US children/adolescents (8-17); NHANES

 Measure: Measured blood pressure: based on the average of up to 3 measurements taken during the MEC examination. Numerator: Children/adolescents aged 8-12 years with an average systolic or diastolic BP >= 95th sex-age-height specific percentile and children/adolescents aged 13-17 years with an average systolic BP >=130 or an average diastolic BP >=80 mmHg. Denominator: Children/adolescents (8-17 years) with at least 1 complete BP measurement.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Prevalence of self-reported hypertension among US adults (18+); NHIS

 Measure: Self-report: “Have you EVER been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had hypertension, also called high blood pressure?” Numerator: Adults (18+) who answered “yes” to the question “Have you EVER been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had hypertension, also called high blood pressure?” Denominator: Adults (18+) who answered “yes” or “no” to the question “Have you EVER been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had hypertension, also called high blood pressure?”

Data Source: National Health Interview Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHIS)

Prevalence of hypertension medication use among US adults (18+) with self-reported hypertension; NHIS

“Measure: Self-report: “”Are you NOW taking any medication prescribed by a doctor for your high blood pressure?”” Numerator: Adults (18+) who answered “yes” to the question: “Are you NOW taking any medication prescribed by a doctor for your high blood pressure?” Denominator: Adults (18+) with self-reported hypertension who answered “yes” or “no” to the question: “Are you NOW taking any medication prescribed by a doctor for your high blood pressure?”

Data Source: National Health Interview Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHIS)

Cholesterol Abnormalities

Prevalence of cholesterol screening in the past 5 years among US adults (20+); BRFSS

Measure: Self-report: “Blood cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. Have you EVER had your blood cholesterol checked?” and “About how long has it been since you last had your blood cholesterol checked?”. Numerator: Adults (20+) who reported having had their cholesterol checked within the past year, within the past 2 years, or within the past 5 years. Denominator: Adults (20+) who had and had not had their cholesterol checked within the past 5 years. Excludes unknowns and refusals.

Data Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (BRFSS)

Prevalence of high total cholesterol among US adults (20+); BRFSS

Measure: Self-report: “Blood cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. Have you EVER had your blood cholesterol checked?” and “Have you ever been told by a doctor, nurse or other health professional that your blood cholesterol is high?” Numerator: Adults (20+) who answered “yes” to the question “Have you ever been told by a doctor, nurse or other health professional that your blood cholesterol is high?” Denominator: Adults (20+) who answered “yes” to the question “Blood cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. Have you EVER had your blood cholesterol checked?” and answered “yes” or “no” to the question “Have you ever been told by a doctor, nurse or other health professional that your blood cholesterol is high?”

Data Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (BRFSS)

Prevalence of severe hypercholesterolemia (LDL-C 190) among US adults (20+); NHANES

Measure: Fasting serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (mg/dL) Numerator: Fasting serum LDL-c >=190 mg/dL Denominator: Non-pregnant adults (20+) with complete serum total cholesterol.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Mean serum HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol among US adults (20+); NHANES

Measure: Fasting serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (mg/dL) Numerator: mean serum HDL-c (mg/dL) Denominator: Fasting non-pregnant adults (20+) with complete serum HDL-c.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Mean serum triglycerides among US adults (20+); NHANES

Measure: Fasting serum triglycerides (mg/dL) Numerator: Fasting serum triglycerides >=200 mg/dL Denominator: Fasting non-pregnant adults (20+) with complete serum triglycerides.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Prevalence of cholesterol screening in the past 5 years among US adults (20+); NHANES

Measure: Self-report: “Have you ever had your blood cholesterol checked?” and “About how long has it been since you had your cholesterol checked?” Numerator: Adults (20+) who answered “yes” to the question “Have you ever had your blood cholesterol checked?” and answered, “Less than 1 year ago”, “1 year but less than 2 years ago”, or “2 years but less than 5 years ago” to the question “About how long has it been since you had your cholesterol checked?” Denominator: Adults (20+) with complete and valid answers to the cholesterol screening questions.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Mean serum total cholesterol among US adults (20+); NHANES

Measure: Serum total cholesterol (mg/dL) Numerator: Mean serum total cholesterol (mg/dL) Denominator: Non-pregnant adults (20+) with complete serum total cholesterol.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Mean serum total cholesterol among US children/adolescents (12-19); NHANES

Measure: Serum total cholesterol (mg/dL) Numerator: Mean serum total cholesterol (mg/dL) Denominator: Children/adolescents (12-19) with complete serum total cholesterol.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Diabetes

Prevalence of diabetes among US adults (18+); BRFSS

Measure: Self-report: “Have you ever been told by a doctor that you have diabetes?” (If “Yes” and respondent is female, ask “Was this only when you were pregnant?” Numerator: Adults (18+) who answered “yes” to the question “Have you ever been told by a doctor that you have diabetes?” Excludes women who reported gestational diabetes only. Denominator: Adults (18+) who answered “yes” or “no” to the question “Have you ever been told by a doctor that you have diabetes?” Excludes women who reported gestational diabetes only. Definition of no diabetes <2004 include “No” or “Yes, but female only during pregnancy”; 2004+ includes answers of “No”, “No, pre-diabetes or borderline diabetes”, or “Yes, but female only during pregnancy”.

Data Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (BRFSS)

Prevalence of diabetes among US adults (18+); NHANES

Measure: Diagnosed diabetes, based on self-report: “Have you ever been told by a doctor or health professional that you have diabetes or sugar diabetes?” or “Are you now taking insulin” or “Are you now taking diabetic pills to lower your blood sugar?”. Undiagnosed diabetes, based on fasting plasma glucose >125 mg/dL or glycated hemoglobin (hbA1c or A1c) >=6.5%. Numerator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes. Denominator: Non-pregnant adults (18+) with complete data on diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Nutrition

Prevalence of consuming fruits and vegetables less than 5 times per day among US adults (18+); BRFSS

Measure: Self report: “During the past month, how often did you…”eat fruit (not including juices)?”; “drink 100% fruit juice?”; “eat a green leafy or lettuce salad?”; “eat any other kind of potatoes (except fried potatoes)?”; “Not including lettuce salads and potatoes, eat other vegetables?” Numerator: Adults (18+) who reported eating fruits and vegetables <5 times/day (Sum of responses to all questions). Denominator: Adults (18+) who answered times per day, times per week, or times per month on at least 4 of 5 fruit and vegetable questions.

Data Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (BRFSS)

Mean dietary sodium intake (mg/day) among US adults (18+); NHANES

Measure: Total dietary sodium intake (mg/day), based on the day 1 24-hour dietary recall. Numerator: Mean total dietary sodium intake (mg/day) Denominator: Adults (18+) with a complete and reliable day 1 24-hour dietary recall.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Mean dietary sodium intake among US children/adolescents (2-17); NHANES

Measure: Total dietary sodium intake (mg/day), based on the day 1 24-hour dietary recall. Numerator: Mean total dietary sodium intake (mg/day) Denominator: Children/adolescents (2-17) with a complete and reliable day 1 24-hour dietary recall.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Obesity

Prevalence of obesity among US adults (20+); BRFSS

Measure: Self-reported weight and height: “About how much do you weigh without shoes?” and “About how tall are you without shoes?” Body mass index (BMI) = [weight (kg) / height (m)^2] Numerator: Non-pregnant adults (20+) with a calculated body mass index (BMI) >=30.0. Denominator: Non-pregnant adults (20+) with complete weight and height data and self-reported weight <500 lbs. Excludes unknowns and refusals.

Data Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (BRFSS)

Prevalence of obesity among US adults (20+); NHANES

Measure: Measured weight and height: Body mass index (BMI) = [weight (kg) / height (m)^2] Numerator: Non-pregnant adults (20+) with body mass index (BMI) >=30.0. Denominator: Non-pregnant adults (20+) with complete weight and height data.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Prevalence of obesity among US children/adolescents (2-19); NHANES

Measure: Measured weight and height: Body mass index (BMI) = [weight (kg) / height (m)^2] Numerator: Children/adolescents (2-19) with body mass index (BMI) >= sex/height specific 95th percentile Denominator: children/adolescents (2-19) with complete weight and height data.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Physical Inactivity

Prevalence of physical inactivity among US adults (18+); BRFSS

Measure: Self-report: “During the past month, other than your regular job, did you participate in any physical activities or exercises such as running, calisthenics, golf, gardening, or walking for exercise?” Numerator: Adults (18+) who answered “no” to the question “During the past month, other than your regular job, did you participate in any physical activities or exercises such as running, calisthenics, golf, gardening, or walking for exercise?” Denominator: Adults (18+) who answered “yes” or “no” to the question “During the past month, other than your regular job, did you participate in any physical activities or exercises such as running, calisthenics, golf, gardening, or walking for exercise?”

Data Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (BRFSS)

Prevalence of physical inactivity among US adults (18+); NHIS

Measure: Self-report: “How often do you do MODERATE-INTENSITY LEISURE-TIME physical activities?”; “How often do you do VIGOROUS-INTENSITY LEISURE-TIME physical activities?”; “How often do you do LEISURETIME physical activities specifically designed to STRENGTHEN your muscles such as sit-ups, push-ups, or lifting weights?” Numerator: Adults (18+) who answered none or “unable to do activity” to the questions: “How often do you do MODERATE-INTENSITY LEISURE-TIME physical activities?”; “How often do you do VIGOROUS-INTENSITY LEISURE-TIME physical activities?”; “How often do you do LEISURETIME physical activities specifically designed to STRENGTHEN your muscles such as sit-ups, push-ups, or lifting weights?” Denominator: Adults (18+) who answered a range of values or “unable to do activity” to any of the questions: “How often do you do MODERATE-INTENSITY LEISURE-TIME physical activities?”; “How often do you do VIGOROUS-INTENSITY LEISURE-TIME physical activities?”; “How often do you do LEISURETIME physical activities specifically designed to STRENGTHEN your muscles such as sit-ups, push-ups, or lifting weights?”

Data Source: National Health Interview Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHIS)

Smoking

Prevalence of current smoking among US adults (18+); BRFSS

Measure: Self-report: “Have you smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your entire life?” and “Do you now smoke cigarettes every day, some days, or not at all?” Numerator: Adults (18+) who answered “yes” to the question “Have you smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your entire life?” and answered, “Every day” or “Some days” to the question “Do you now smoke cigarettes every day, some days, or not at all?” Denominator: Adults (18+) who answered “yes” or “no” to the question “Have you smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your entire life?” and answered, “Every day”, “Some days”, or “Not at all” to the question “Do you now smoke cigarettes every day, some days, or not at all?”

Data Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (BRFSS)

Prevalence of current smoking among US adults (20+); NHANES

Measure: Self-report: “Have you smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your entire life?” and “Do you now smoke cigarettes?”; or measured serum cotinine (ng/mL). Numerator: Adults (18+) who answered “yes” to the question “Have you smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your entire life?” and answered, “every day” or “some days” to the question “Do you now smoke cigarettes?” or had a measured serum cotinine level >=10 ng/dL. Denominator: Adults (18+) with complete information on self-reported smoking or measured serum cotinine.

Data Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHANES)

Prevalence of current smoking among adults (18+); NHIS

Measure: Self-report: “Do you NOW smoke cigarettes every day, some days or not at all?” Numerator: Adults (18+) who answered, “every day” or “some days” to the question: “Do you NOW smoke cigarettes every day, some days or not at all?” Denominator: Adults (18+) who answered, “every day,” “some days,” or “not at all” to the question: “Do you NOW smoke cigarettes every day, some days or not at all?”

Data Source: National Health Interview Survey; National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NHIS)