§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what estimates are available to him of the statistical likelihood of heart attacks for those with hypertension and those with normal blood pressure;
(2) if he has any information as to the effect on life expectancy of persons with mild and high hypertension.
§ Mr. John MacKayMy Department is aware of a number of publications reporting on studies which350W conclude that hypertension adversely affects life expectancy. One such study has indicated that for persons aged 55 to 64 there was approximately two thirds increased risk of a heart attack for those with mild hypertension; and the risk was some twofold for those with severe hypertension.
Last year I agreed to the Department's participation in the World Health Organisation's long-term multinational study for monitoring trends and determinants in cardiovascular disease which in the coming years is expected to provide additional information on this matter.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has as to the percentage of the adult population in Scotland with mild or high hypertension.
§ Mr. John MacKaySuch information for the whole Scottish adult population is not available. However, several studies of sub-populations in Scotland have been carried out which give indicators. The largest of these studies known to my Department indicates that, depending on age range and level of blood pressure selected, some 25 per cent. of the middle-aged population may be considered to be hypertensive; probably less than 1 per cent. has severe hypertension. However, percentages appear to vary slightly between areas.