Using prescription medicines to treat untreated and under treated high blood pressure could prevent thousands of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths, according to a new study, 'Reducing the Human Impact of High Blood Pressure', which was conducted by the actuaries and clinicians from the independent actuarial firm Milliman Inc.

The study looks at the annual number of cases of stroke, heart attack, death, and nursing facility placements that could be avoided if senior citizens were to actively treat their high blood pressure, states a PhRMA release.

"This report provides estimates of the full magnitude of potential benefits from focusing on improving health by actively treating hypertension," noted Steve Cigich, one of the study's authors. Active treatment of medical conditions includes proper diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and taking prescribed medications.

High blood pressure carries a dangerous combination of high prevalence, under treatment, under diagnosis, and risk of stroke and heart disease.

Currently, two-thirds of Medicare beneficiaries have hypertension. Hypertension puts millions of seniors at risk annually according to Dr. Paul Antony, chief medical officer for Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, which commissioned the study.

"Yet, for most people, high blood pressure can be controlled," he added.