High Blood Pressure Control Worsens in England
A new analysis by Queen Mary University of London warns that England has lost gains in high blood pressure control. Researchers studied data from over 67,000 adults in the Health Survey for England from 2003 to 2021. They found that progress in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment plateaued after 2011 and worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
High blood pressure prevalence fell from 37.8% in 2003 to 33.2% in 2018 but stalled afterward. Undiagnosed hypertension dropped to 23.7% in 2011 before rising again to 32.4% by 2021. The proportion of undiagnosed patients achieving control also declined, from 63.1% in 2011 to 56.8% in 2021. Experts estimate that around five million adults may have undiagnosed high blood pressure, while another five million have diagnosed but uncontrolled hypertension.
Rising Risks and Urgent Action Needed
Dr. Ajay Gupta, senior author, warns that only 38.3% of people with hypertension now have controlled blood pressure. This is far below the 80% target and may drive rising cardiovascular deaths. Factors include obesity, high salt intake, social inequalities, and mental health challenges. Pandemic disruptions also reduced routine care and medication use, worsening control.
Experts call for coordinated measures, including stronger national salt-reduction programs, better access to diagnostics, and strategies to improve medication adherence. Renewed clinical education can help reduce therapeutic inertia. Without action, millions in England will continue facing higher risks of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
