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Leicester's European Centre of Excellence for hypertension

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23.04.2007

Hypertension (high blood pressure) gives a higher risk of heart attack or stroke than any other disease, so Leicestershire people will be delighted that their local centre has been designated a European Centre of Excellence for hypertension by the European Society of Hypertension.

Professor Bryan Williams, Professor of Medicine at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and University of Leicester said: "This latest recognition is a classic example of how our hospitals and university can work together to make direct improvements to patient care. It underpins the outstanding contribution that the Leicester Hypertension Clinic has made to the care of patients in Leicester, and recognises the role of the clinic and its staff in the development of national and international policy for the treatment and research in the field of hypertension.

Patients with high blood pressure are referred to the Leicester Hypertension Clinic for further evaluation when their condition is difficult to control or they have features that alert their general practitioner that their blood pressure may be secondary to another problem that needs investigation.

"We treat the patients blood pressure to reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease by introducing lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and maintaining an ideal body weight, but some patients still require medication," explained Professor Williams.

Don Crighton, 68 years, from Anstey, has received treatment from the clinic for the past six months. He said: "The Leicester Hypertension Clinic is first class. They have helped me reduce my high blood pressure and have given me great reassurance. I feel a big sense of pride that I, and other patients like me who have high blood pressure, can access world class expertise in our local hospitals."

Alex Jelley | Source: alphagalileo
Further information: www.le.ac.uk

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