Observing the NICEties of hypertension management

This review is based on presentations given at the Symposium of the High Blood Pressure Foundation supported by RCPE on 23 November 2011.National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance for the clinical management of hypertension, published last year, proposes a step change in UK clinical practice.1 Although broadly helpful, there are some concerns about its implementation. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for diagnosis of hypertension, though logical, will place an additional financial burden on primary care at a time of austerity.