Hypertension Drugs Prescribed to Reduce Blood Pressure
16 September 2004
Millions more people with hypertension will be put on tablets to reduce their blood pressure, in an effort to cut deaths from strokes and heart disease.
Experts who drew up the guidance for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) insist that, since the medication is out of patent and cheap, there should not be huge increases in GPs' drug budgets. They believe any extra costs will be outweighed by savings made in preventing strokes and heart disease.
Patients at risk of developing continuously high blood pressure will also be told to change their lifestyle, and lower their consumption of salt and caffeine.
The Guardian - Wednesday August 25, 2004
