As a network, we are starting to deliver a blood pressure optimisation programme. The programme will run until March 2023 and aims to prevent heart attacks, strokes and vascular dementia in patients with hypertension in our region and nationally.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes a quarter of all deaths in the UK but is very preventable, with the treatment of high blood pressure and high cholesterol substantially lowering the risk. Both of these are, however, underdiagnosed and undertreated.

AHSNs will support primary care networks (PCNs) in implementing UCLPartners Proactive Care Framework for hypertension, to improve blood pressure and broader CVD risk management, particularly lipids, in people with hypertension.

We will also support PCNs in increasing the detection of people with hypertension.

You can find out more about the EMAHSN blood pressure optimisation programme here.