Objective: To evaluate the mean levels of blood pressure and hypertension (> or = 140 mmHg systolic or > or = 90 mmHg diastolic pressure or on treatment for hypertension) in the adult English population, and to evaluate any changes in the efficacy of hypertension management between 1994 and 2003.
Design/methods: Cross-sectional surveys. England, 2003. A nationally representative sample of 8834 non-institutionalized adults (aged > or = 16 years). Rates of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension.
Results: Since 1994, mean systolic blood pressure has fallen by 1.6 and 4.3 mmHg in male and female adults, respectively. The rates of awareness and treatment have increased, and control rates (< 140 mmHg systolic and < 90 mmHg diastolic) among hypertensive men and women have approximately doubled to 21.5 and 22.8%, respectively. Of those on treatment for hypertension, the majority (56%) are on two or more agents compared with 40% in 1994 and 1998.
Conclusion: Hypertension management has improved greatly since 1994, with more awareness, treatment and control. Nevertheless, in 2003 the majority of hypertensive adults in England had blood pressure levels above the currently recommended targets.