Preventing long-term conditions in people with high blood pressure through lifestyle changes
This study explores how lifestyle changes can help people with high blood pressure (hypertension) prevent other long-term health problems. Many people today have several health conditions, which often leads to poorer health and more healthcare visits. While treatments exist, preventing these conditions is also very important. Building on the success of the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, this study offers a similar 9-month lifestyle programme. It aims to help participants manage their weight, become more active, and improve their eating habits. The study wants to find out if these changes can formally reduce the risk of developing additional long-term conditions over several years for people with high blood pressure. It's funded by NHS England and involves hundreds of GP practices.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many adults in the UK live with high blood pressure, and unfortunately, some may go on to develop other long-term health problems later in life. When someone has multiple long-term conditions, it can affect their overall health and mean they need more support from healthcare services. While there are good guidelines for treating these conditions, preventing them in the first place is also a big jigsaw piece in keeping people healthy.
This study looks at how a special lifestyle programme, already shown to be helpful for preventing type 2 diabetes, could also benefit people with high blood pressure. The programme focuses on important lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthier diet, being more physically active, and managing your weight. The main aim of the study is to see if taking part in this programme can help reduce your chances of developing other health conditions over the years.
The study builds on successful NHS programmes that encourage people to make healthy choices. By taking part, you'll be helping researchers understand more about how lifestyle changes can play a key role in preventing future health issues for people with high blood pressure, potentially benefiting many others in the future.
Key takeaways
- A study for people with high blood pressure.
- Aims to prevent other long-term health conditions.
- Involves a 9-month programme of lifestyle changes (diet, activity, weight).
- You can choose face-to-face or online support.
- No known risks; follows national health guidelines.
- Funded by NHS England and run in GP practices.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult aged 18 or older who has been diagnosed with high blood pressure. You also need to be registered with one of the GP practices taking part in the study.
If you are aged 80 or over, you might still be able to join if your GP agrees in writing that the benefits of taking part in a weight loss programme outweigh any possible risks for you.
There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have diabetes, an eating disorder, are pregnant, or have had certain types of weight loss surgery recently. The study also isn't for people who are very frail.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you aged 18 or older?
- Have you been diagnosed with high blood pressure?
- Are you registered with a GP practice taking part in the study?
- Are you not pregnant?
- Do you not have diabetes or certain other health conditions?
What does participation involve?
If you are eligible and your GP practice is involved, you will receive a text message or a letter inviting you to take part in the 'Healthier You Hypertension Pilot'.
If you decide to join, you will take part in a 9-month lifestyle programme. You can choose whether you want to attend group sessions in person, which will involve 13 meetings spread out over the 9 months, or if you prefer to complete the programme online at your own pace.
During the programme, you'll receive support to set personal goals. These goals will help you to lose weight if you are overweight, or to maintain a healthy weight, by making positive changes to your diet, increasing your physical activity, and improving your overall nutrition. There are no medications involved, and the follow-up for the programme itself lasts 9 months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (8)
- NHS North West London ICSCity onlyLondon, England
- NHS Greater Manchester ICSCity onlyManchester, England
- NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICSCity onlyWorcester, England
- NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICSCity onlyNorwich, England
- NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICSCity onlyLuton, England
- NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and RutlandCity onlyLeicester, England
- NHS North East and North CumbriaCity onlySunderland, England
- NHS South East London ICSCity onlyLondon, England
Common questions
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure (hypertension) means your blood is pumping with too much force against your artery walls, which can lead to health problems over time.
What kind of lifestyle changes will I be making?
You'll get support to improve your diet, be more physically active, and manage your weight through healthy habits.
Do I have to attend groups in person?
No, you can choose between group sessions held in person or an online programme you do by yourself.
How long does the programme last?
The lifestyle programme lasts for 9 months.
Will my regular doctor know I'm in the study?
Yes, the study is run through participating GP practices, so your GP will be aware.
How to find out more
Jonathan Valabhji
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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