High Blood Pressure Affects Nearly Half a Million Post-9/11 Veterans

Approximately half a million U.S. Veterans who served after the September 11, 2001 attacks have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, according to a new analysis published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The study, released on April 22, 2026, reveals that among this group, about half were undiagnosed and one quarter were untreated.

Study Reveals Significant Gaps in Diagnosis and Treatment

Researchers analyzed electronic health records from over one million post-9/11 veterans accessing care through the Veterans Health Administration. The veterans in the study had an average age of approximately 33 years at the time of evaluation.

Among those identified with high blood pressure:

• About 50 percent had no documented diagnosis (undiagnosed)
• About 25 percent did not receive a prescription for blood pressure-lowering medication (untreated)

Men and Black veterans were more likely to have high blood pressure. While women were less likely to have the condition, their high blood pressure was more likely to go undiagnosed. Hispanic veterans were also more likely to be undiagnosed with high blood pressure.

Underlying Risk Factors in Veteran Population

The study highlights that veterans face unique risk factors contributing to cardiovascular concerns. Lead study author Tiffany Chang, Ph.D., an epidemiologist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, noted that higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder and direct combat exposure may increase the likelihood of high blood pressure compared to non-veterans.

“Preventing, managing and controlling high blood pressure are essential for protecting cardiovascular health in all adults, including younger adults and those at increased risk of cardiovascular disease,” Chang stated.

Importance of Early Intervention

The findings underscore the need for earlier detection and management of hypertension in younger veteran populations. Untreated high blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, making timely intervention critical for long-term health outcomes.

Researchers emphasize that addressing blood pressure control in this demographic could significantly reduce future cardiovascular events and improve overall well-being among those who have served.

About the Study

The research was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal. It represents one of the first comprehensive examinations of high blood pressure specifically in younger post-9/11 veterans utilizing real-world clinical data from the Veterans Health Administration system.