People with newly diagnosed hypertension should receive an investigation for target organ damage within a month, according to new quality standards.
The six-statement quality standard from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) aims to introduce a “person-centred” approach to treating the condition.
People with suspected hypertension should be offered ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) to confirm the diagnosis, according to the quality standard.
People with newly diagnosed hypertension should receive an investigation for target organ damage within a month, according to new quality standards.
The six-statement quality standard from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) aims to introduce a “person-centred” approach to treating the condition.
People with suspected hypertension should be offered ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) to confirm the diagnosis, according to the quality standard.
Dr Gillian Leng, deputy chief executive and director of health and social care at NICE believes the new quality standard is an important step forward.
She said: “This new quality standard provides measurable markers that will drive further improvements in the management of hypertension, ensuring that it is diagnosed accurately, that treatments are provided and their adherence and efficacy monitored appropriately.”
Hypertension, a risk factor for stroke, heart attack and chronic kidney disease, is a major cause of premature death in the UK.
Government figures show high blood pressure accounted for approximately 12% of primary care consultations and £1 billion in drug costs in 2006.
The full guidance is available on the NICE website.
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