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.