I suppose that is the pitfall of anecdotal evidence.
It takes two pills to keep me under 150. A doctor estimates as many as three pills to get to 129.
Both my medications are on the $4 list and are generic. I belieive they are subsidized. Given the number of citizens who either are on blood pressure medicine or should be that is substantial.. I should note that the doctor I listened to supported the study and had no financial interest selling medicine.
Weight loss, diet and excercise helps. He also claims no significant increase in side effects with increased dosage.
EDIT:
Statistical Fact Sheet
2013 Update
High Blood Pressure
?? In the United States, about 77.9 million (1 out of every 3) adults have high blood pressure.
?? Data from NHANES 2007–10 showed that of those with high blood pressure,
- 81.5 percent are aware they have it
- 74.9 percent are under current treatment
- 52.5 percent have it controlled
- 47.5 percent do not have it controlled
?? Among adults age 20 and older in the United States, the following have high blood pressure:
- For non-Hispanic whites, 33.4 percent of men and 30.7 percent of women.
- For non-Hispanic blacks, 42.6 percent of men and 47.0 percent of women.
- For Mexican Americans, 30.1 percent of men and 28.8 percent of women.
?? Projections show that by 2030, prevalence of hypertension will increase 7.2% from 2013 estimates
American Heart Association