Hypertension  

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Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a long-term condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently raised. This places strain on the heart, increasing the risk of a range of cardiovascular conditions including heart disease, stroke, aneurysms, and kidney disease. Having even moderately raised blood pressure is linked to a shorter lifespan. Making dietary and lifestyle adjustments can help control blood pressure and reduce the chances of health complications. However, in cases where lifestyle changes are insufficient or ineffective, drug treatment is often necessary. 

In 2021 to 2022, a total of 34,671 patients were diagnosed with hypertension in Waltham Forest, equivalent to 10.7% of patients registered with Waltham Forest GP practices. This is similar to the prevalence across London (10.6%), but below the national average (14%). The prevalence of hypertension has seen little change in the recent years.  

Source:  OHID Public health profiles. Data from Quality and Outcomes Framework (NHS Digital). Date accessed: 27 March 2023. 

Note: Recorded disease prevalence on GP patient registers is influenced both by the underlying prevalence of the condition in the wider population and the extent to which these cases have been diagnosed and recorded on primary care systems.