In the first of two articles, the authors discuss the risk factors for hypertension and cardiovascular disease relevant to health assessment and promotion in primary care. They review the available research and emphasise the importance of basing subsequent interventions and advice on such evidence. The second article will appear next week

Hypertension is known to be a significant causative agent in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) including stroke (Coope and Warrander 1986). A cross-sectional audit study in Northamptonshire (Fahey and Lancaster 1995) estimated that between 11 and 29 fatal and non-fatal strokes could be prevented in the 65-74 year age group each year if current guidelines were adhered to.