Researchers at the University of Warwick have conducted a study examining awareness, treatment and control of high blood pressure, or hypertension.
Hypertension is an important cause of serious diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.
The study showed that more than 50 percent of people diagnosed with high blood pressure do not have it under control and many more go undiagnosed.
The researchers found 24% of participants had high blood pressure and 56% of these people were not aware of their condition.
Of those that were aware, less than half had their high blood pressure under control (less than 140mmHg for systolic pressure and 80 for diastolic pressure).
1,604 citizens from three geographical areas, southwest London in the UK, Limburg in Belgium and Abruzzo in Italy participated. Looking at the differences between regions, the researchers found the UK participants had lower blood pressure overall and better control than the Italians and Belgians.
1. Franco Cappuccio, et al. Over 50 percent of people with high blood pressure unaware they have condition. University of Warwick. November 2008.
2. Image by massdistraction
