National High Blood Pressure Prevention and Control Strategy

National High Blood Pressure Prevention and Control Strategy Summary Report of the Expert Working Group PDF Version (79 KB, 25 pages)

National High Blood Pressure Prevention and Control Strategy Report of the Expert Working Group PDF Version (359 KB, 84 pages)

Health Canada & The Canadian Coalition for High Blood Pressure Prevention and Control

Introduction

High blood pressure is one of the most common and important health problems facing Canadians. It is one of the main risk factors for heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. Heart disease and stroke account for 37% of all deaths¹.

The mortality rates of heart disease and stroke have decreased in the past several years². This is probably due to a combination of factors including a decrease in smoking and salt consumption, and improved treatment. The aging of the population will lead to an increase in deaths due to these two diseases unless further prevention efforts are undertaken now.

The prevention and control of high blood pressure would have a major impact on health, quality of life, disability and death among Canadians. It would also reduce the need for health care expenditures for these diseases.

This report outlines a strategy to prevent and control high blood pressure. It is directed at policy makers at the local, provincial/territorial, and national level in both the health and non-health sectors. The strategy is based on current research and expertise. A multifaceted, comprehensive approach is proposed because there is no one intervention that will accomplish the goal of improving the health of Canadians through high blood pressure prevention and control.

This report focuses on the general population. It does not address the unique needs of children, pregnant women or aboriginal peoples. Each of these groups need to be studied in their own right and, in particular, with the involvement of aboriginal people themselves.

1. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Heart and Stroke in Canada. Ottawa, Canada, 1997.
2. ibid