Hypertension affects 37% of UK adults, Oxford study finds

A large-scale study conducted by University of Oxford researchers in collaboration with the ‘Our Future Health’ program has revealed significant trends regarding hypertension in the United Kingdom. Based on in-person measurements of over 1.3 million adults between 2022 and 2025, the research published in BMJ Public Health indicates that 37.2% of participants have high blood pressure.

A critical finding is that 58.8% of those with hypertension were unaware of their condition. The study also noted that prevalence increases with age, particularly in men, and that 50.2% of patients currently under treatment still have uncontrolled blood pressure. Researchers described the current situation as a ‘leaky cascade of care,’ where patients drop out of the system between diagnosis and effective management.

While factors such as age, male gender, and higher weight are linked to increased risk, the study noted that hypertension affects individuals regardless of weight or family history. Additionally, the research found no increased risk of falls associated with blood pressure medications in the elderly.

Regarding management, experts emphasize that while dietary adjustments like reducing sodium intake are vital, herbal remedies such as cinnamon or garlic are not sufficient substitutes for medical treatment. High sodium consumption, often found in processed foods, remains a primary modifiable risk factor.