The LHS meets regularly at the historic Medical Society of London
for evening scientific meetings where current research is presented and
debated by members and guest speakers. These meetings are open to
all. We also organise or co-sponsor workshops on topics relevant
to Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease. A summary of our aims
are given here. If you would like to become a member please
contact the secretary with your details. Membership is free, we do
however expect our members participate in our activities by attending
meetings and presenting their work.
"Cardiovascular disease is one of the most common causes of death in the
UK. It accounts for four out of ten of all deaths in the UK, causing
about 4 times as many deaths a year as lung cancer, and about 10 times
as many deaths a year as breast cancer. About half of cardiovascular
deaths are from myocardial infarction ("heart attack") and its
complications, and about a quarter are from stroke. It also accounts for
about one third of premature deaths in men and one quarter of premature
deaths in women.
Over 270,000 people in the UK suffer a heart attack each year. This
figure has been falling, due to better management of risk factors, but
much still needs to be done to improve the burden of this extremely
common and devastating disease.
The most important risk factors, all of which are modifiable, are:
smoking, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes and high blood
cholesterol. Stopping smoking is the most important measure that can be
implemented by an individual to minimise his or her risk of future heart
disease and stroke. Additionally, adequate blood pressure and
cholesterol control can substantially reduce future development of these
diseases.