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.

The UK has higher levels of ill health and premature death than 18 other Western countries, new research shows. 

Half of all deaths caused by cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Europe could be avoided by changes to taxation and stronger regulation of advertising.

It is claimed population level prevention produces “greater impacts” on CVD than individualised approaches, according to the European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (EACPR) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

In the aftermath of Saturday's incident with Fabrice Muamba, Ian Beasley, Senior Team doctor for the England football team and the FA's Head of Medical Services, has spoken out on cardiac screening in football.

23-year-old Muamba, described as one of the fittest members of the Bolton Wanderers squad, suffered a cardiac arrest in front of over 40,000 fans during his team's FA Cup match with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

An increased risk in heart attacks in some males could be down to their genes.

A study part-funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) found genetic variations carried on the Y chromosome can “significantly increase” the risk of a heart attack.

The Y chromosome is unique to men.

The BHF says the study might begin to provide a “partial explanation” why Northwestern European men have more heart attacks than their counterparts in other parts of the world.

Laura Hastings BSc RGN Dip HSW
Lead Advice Line Nurse
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

Edie Garlick BSc RGN DN Dip CHD
Advice Line Nurse
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

There is a significant amount of support available for patients with chest, heart and stroke illness and a number of charities provide information and support services that nurses can access to help their patients.

Claire McLoughlin
Press and PR Manager
Blood Pressure Association

Blood pressure readings are an important indicator of a patient's health and risk of hypertension and stroke. Accurate technique requires skill and up-to-date knowledge, and is a key part of the nurse's everyday practice

A new global analysis reveals that some of the poorest countries in the world have among the highest age-standardised mortality rates of cardiovascular disease

A new global analysis has revealed that some of the poorest countries in the world have among the highest age-standardised mortality rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Raised yellow patches around the eyelids show an increased risk of a heart attack or heart disease, research claims.

A report published on the British Medical Journal's (BMJ) website found patients with xanthelasmata were 48% more likely to have a heart attack.

Xanthelasmata are mostly made up of cholesterol deposits, however, around half who have the condition will not test positively for high cholesterol in a blood test.

Nurses find it 'significantly' more complex to diagnose depression in patients post-myocardial infraction (heart attack), a survey shows.

The national survey of GP and nurse's attitudes and beliefs towards depression after myocardial infarction, published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, surveyed a total of 813 practitioners – 106 GPs and 707 nurses.

It showed all primary care practitioners underestimated the prevalence of depression in the post-myocardial infraction population.

A new risk prediction tool can identify patients at high risk of serious blood clots who might need preventive treatment, says a study published on bmj.com.

The tool is based on simple variables which the patient is likely to know and could be easily integrated into GP computer systems to assess patients' risk before hospital admission, long-haul flights, or starting medications that carry an increased clotting risk.

A screening procedure should be in place enabling newborn babies to be checked for potentially life-threatening heart defects, researchers say.

Doctors could carry out a simple and painless test that measures blood oxygen levels in babies as a matter of routine, according to a major study carried out by UK researchers.

The pulse oximetry test works by having small skin sensors placed on the hands or feet of newborn babies and scientists say that it can identify congenital heart defects, which otherwise doctors may not be able to pick up on.