During the COVID-19 pandemic, our members are developing research to address COVID-19 related challenges. New projects are described in summary here. Further details will be published as soon as possible. Meanwhile our staff have taken on extended clinical roles. See this post for details. New COVID-19-related research at the Unit 1. Using linked primary care […]
Understanding multimorbidity to improve patient care
One of the greatest challenges for healthcare is multimorbidity: the presence in one person of multiple long-term diseases. At least a quarter of the UK population have more than one long-term disease, and those that do are more frequent users of NHS services. The specific diseases an individual has affects how they interact with the […]
Research Alert: Treatment for moderately high blood pressure may be best saved for those at high risk
The largest study yet of people with mild hypertension shows that medical treatment may not be worthwhile in those at low risk of heart attack and stroke. Download this Research Alert as a pdf, for printing. Key messages This study provided no evidence to suggest that new US hypertension guidelines will reduce CVD events in […]
Could screening for a common heart condition called atrial fibrillation help prevent strokes?
Could screening for atrial fibrillation – an underdiagnosed heart condition – help prevent strokes? Researchers from the University of Cambridge, leading a consortium of academic partners, are beginning work this month in East Anglia on the largest trial to date of screening for atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a heart condition that causes an […]
Treatment for moderately high blood pressure may be best saved for those at high risk
The largest study of people with mild hypertension shows that medical treatment may not be worthwhile in those who are at low risk of heart attack and stroke. An observational study of patients with mild hypertension has found no evidence to support recent US guideline recommendations that encourage doctors to offer treatment to patients with […]
New tool reduces the need for 24-hour blood pressure monitors in general practice
A new prediction tool for managing patients with suspected high blood pressure in primary care could reduce by half the number of people needing to wear 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitors to confirm a diagnosis of hypertension. Published today in the BMJ, a study led by Oxford and Birmingham University researchers, with Professor Jonathan Mant, […]