Assessing CHD and hypertension in minority ethnic communities.

Hypertension, coronary heart disease and stroke rates are higher in minority ethnic communities than their European counterparts. A health-needs assessment was undertaken to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed/asymptomatic hypertension among these communities in a primary care setting. Preliminary results indicate the prevalence to be 32.49 per cent. A number of strategies are discussed for improving the health care of minority ethnic communities and reducing health inequalities.