Canadian Hypertension Education Program: The Science Supporting New 2011 CHEP Recommendations With an Emphasis on Health Advocacy and Knowledge Translation

Abstract

This is a summary of the theme, key new recommendations, and supporting science of the 2011 Canadian Hypertension Education Program (CHEP). In 2011, the ACCORD trial challenged current blood pressure treatment targets for people with diabetes. After consideration of multiple factors relating to the ACCORD trial design and its reporting, the current treatment target of <130/80 mm Hg was not changed. A meta-analysis implicated angiotensin receptor blockers in causing cancer; however, weaknesses in the meta-analysis and ongoing close scrutiny of the issue by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration precluded any changes in current CHEP recommendations. New expert opinion–based recommendations were added to assist the management of hypertension in the setting of acute stroke. To promote healthier blood pressure in Canadians, CHEP emphasizes the need for all Canadians—in particular, health care professionals and their organizations—to more actively work with different levels of government to implement healthy public policies. These should build community capacity to promote healthy behaviours with the goal of the prevention of hypertension and its consequences. To aid a substantive knowledge translation gap, health care professionals and people with hypertension can now receive regular CHEP updates by signing up at the Web sites htnupdate.ca and www.myBPsite.ca.