Continued Improvement in Hypertension Management in England

This study evaluate whether blood pressure management has improved in England between 2003 and 2006, using cross-sectional, nationally representative, random samples of 8834 (in 2003) and 7478 (in 2006) noninstitutionalized adults (aged > or =16 years) of mean age 46 (in 2003) and 47 (in 2006) years. Overall mean blood pressure levels in 2006 were 130.8/74.2 mm Hg in men and 124.0/72.4 mm Hg in women. Awareness of hypertension increased significantly in the overall population (from 62% in 2003% to 66% in 2006; P or =2 drugs were used, the most common antihypertensive class used varied by age and ethnicity. Awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension increased between 2003 and 2006, particularly in women, but opportunities for further improvement remain.