Hypertension is the second biggest risk factor for premature death and disability in England, and affects more than a quarter of all adults. It is often preventable and it is estimated that improving the diagnosis of hypertension would save £120 million nationally in ten years. In Camden data show there are around 60,000 adults at risk of hypertension and related illness, but currently only around 24,000 patients diagnosed.

The Community Hypertension Service has been running successfully since end of last year. There is a dedicated hypertension nurse, Sara Leary, who is available to carry out clinics in practices and help GPs with difficult case management (see the Hypertension CICS page).

There is also a need to raise awareness of the condition among patients. Blood pressue monitors have been provided to all practices to support and monitor at-risk patients and to help patients with poor control.