Blood Pressure Association Comment On BMJ Research Paper

Main Category: Hypertension
Also Included In: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Article Date: 24 May 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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UK charity the Blood Pressure Association has responded to the BMJ research paper 'Use of blood pressure lowering drugs in the prevention of cardiovascular disease':

Mike Rich, Executive Director, of UK charity the Blood Pressure Association, said: "This research is another reminder that, as the major cause of strokes and heart attacks, high blood pressure is a condition that must be taken seriously.

"More than half of people in their 50s have high blood pressure so the suggestion that everyone over the age of 55 should take medicine regardless of whether or not they have the condition is an interesting one.

"Prevention is better than cure, but there are other proven ways to prevent high blood pressure such as healthy eating and regular exercise, which have other health benefits too.

"There is a danger that these important lifestyle factors could be overlooked in favour of 'popping a pill'."

Source
Blood Pressure Association