Ethnic differences in hypertension and blood pressure control in the UK

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, the major causes of death in the UK and other Western countries. Despite this, many patients with hypertension remain undetected and inadequately treated. In order to accurately assess the effectiveness of health programmes aimed at hypertension, it is important first, to establish the mean blood pressure (BP) levels and the prevalence of hypertension in a population, particularly amongst the different ethnic groups, and second, to determine the proportion of people achieving adequate BP control (defined as BP <140/95 mmHg) on anti‐hypertensive medication, given the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity associated with high blood pressure. Nevertheless, the epidemiological data on ethnic differences in BP and hypertension prevalence in the UK are conflicting. Detection, treatment, and control of hypertension among the three main ethnic groups in the UK is important, given that recent studies indicate substantial ethnic differences in cardiovascular mortality.1 For example, compared to Caucasians, Afro‐Caribbeans and people of African descent have a higher incidence of stroke2 and end‐stage renal failure,3 whereas coronary artery disease is less common. Conversely, South‐Asians (defined as people originating from the Indian subcontinent and East Africa) have a higher incidence of coronary heart disease.2 With advancing age, the prevalence of hypertension increases. In the Health Survey for England, for example, the prevalence of hypertension was 3.3% in those aged 140 mmHg (systolic) and/or 90 mmHg (diastolic), is a common problem.4 Several population‐based studies in …