17/05/09
London locals help to overcome
global epidemic
BHF announces research into new
treatments for high blood pressure on World Hypertension Day
Around 200 London
volunteers will be taking part in a major new
research study (1) which could unearth new ways of diagnosing,
preventing and treating high blood pressure which
currently affects 16 million adults in the UK (2).
High blood pressure also known as
hypertension, is the biggest single risk
factor for death worldwide, causing strokes, heart attacks
and kidney disease (3) yet current treatments are not fully
effective in reversing these risks. The PATHWAY
project (Prevention And Treatment of resistant Hypertension With
Algorithm based therapy) which is funded by the British Heart
Foundation (BHF) and conducted by the British Hypertension
Society (BHS) aims to improve the existing treatments for
patients whose blood pressure remains uncontrollable despite
receiving the most vigorous treatment currently available.
Previous research has shown that
the initial treatment of high blood pressure can be greatly
improved by estimating the contribution of salt to a person’s blood
pressure levels. The PATHWAY project will take these findings a
step further.
Firstly each volunteer will have a
quick and simple blood test of the kidney hormone renin, to
recognise patients with high blood pressure who have too much salt
in their body. Secondly, the trials will test new combinations of
drugs, which are more effective and can eliminate salt without
increasing blood glucose and causing diabetes. Thirdly, the PATHWAY
project aims to overturn the current practice of starting treatment
with just one drug, with further drugs added one by one a few
months later. The researchers expect to find that the prescription
of a combination of drugs from the start of treatment prevents the
body from trying to oppose what each drug is doing to lower blood
pressure.
Morris Brown, Professor of Clinical
Pharmacology at the University of Cambridge who is leading the
study said:
“Some months ago I found I had high
blood pressure myself. Within a few weeks of starting treatment on
the PATHWAY combination of drugs my blood pressure fell by 45
points, compared to the usual average of 15 points when starting or
adding single drugs. We believe, and need now to prove, that this
new strategy ultimately achieves better blood pressure on fewer
drugs. This would be a major step in eliminating the phenomenon of
treatment-resistant high blood pressure.”
Mike Knapton, Associate Medical
Director at the BHF said:
“High blood pressure is a global
epidemic which can result in premature death from stroke, kidney
and heart diseases. This research which is taking place at 7
centres across the UK will hopefully unearth new treatments for
patients and enhance the treatment of high blood pressure for
patients in the future.”
For more information about the studies contact Jill Bunker at
the Clinical Investigation Unit, International Centre for
Circulatory Health (ICCH)on 020 7594 1395 or email
ciu@imperial.nhs.uk. Alternatively contact the Clinical Trials Unit
at Barts & the London Hospital on 020 7882 3428 or email
whri-clinical-trials@qmul.ac.uk
For more information please contact the BHF press office on 020
7554 0164 or 07764 290381 (out of hours) or email newsdesk@bhf.org.uk
(1) ‘Prevention And Treatment of resistant Hypertension With
Algorithm based therapY’ (PATHWAY) led by Professor Morris Brown at
the University of Cambridge. morris.brown@hermes.cam.ac.uk
(2) The Blood Pressure Association
www.bpassoc.org.uk/mediacentre/Facts
(3) World Hypertension League 2009 www.worldhypertensionleague.org
For further details about the trials
see:http://cvrisk.mvm.ed.ac.uk/pathway.htm
- The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is the nation’s heart
charity, dedicated to saving lives through pioneering research,
patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital
information. But we urgently need help. We rely on donations of
time and money to continue our life-saving work. Because together
we can beat heart disease.
- The British Hypertension Society was founded in 1981 as forum
for presenting research into understanding the origin of high blood
pressure and improving its treatment. It is now a leader in
producing cutting edge educational meetings and resources and in
providing guidelines on the management of hypertension. It is the
first specialist society to write joint guidance with NICE and is a
member of the Joint British Societies for the Prevention of
Cardiovascular Disease. As part of its increasing engagement in
improving blood pressure measurement the Society is now undertaking
active validation of new blood pressure devices for the measurement
of blood pressure. For more information about the Society visit the
website www.bhsoc.org or contact Jackie Howarth on 07717 467973
email bhs@le.ac.uk
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