Community health programming for hypertension control in Canada.

High blood pressure is one of the four major risk factors in the development of cardiovascular disease. Canadian surveys suggest that 10-15% of Canadians have high blood pressure, controlled or uncontrolled. Hypertension accounts for substantial use of health services, without optimal value obtained. Community strategies are needed-education, bringing into care, surveillance, and maintaining patients in care. Coordination between health care professionals, voluntary health organizations and volunteers is critical to the success of these efforts.