July University of Galway calls for public involvement in developing high blood pressure pathway

Discussion groups aimed at improving understanding of high blood pressure and supporting better cardiovascular health taking place across Cork, Dublin, Letterkenny, Limerick and Galway

University of Galway is calling on members of the public to participate in patient discussion groups across Ireland to help develop a better understanding of blood pressure, hypertension and cardiovascular health.

The discussion groups, led by University of Galway and supported by a multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, patients, researchers and community organisations, including the Irish Heart Foundation, Croí and the Irish Kidney Association, will explore these issues by engaging directly with people living with high blood pressure and their families.

The goal of the campaign is for University of Galway to lead the development of a plain-language, patient-friendly high blood pressure pathway that reflects European Society of Cardiology Guidelines and spans from management in primary care for the majority through to management in hospital/secondary care for the more complex cases. The language used will be informed by the patient voice and lived experience of those with hypertension.

The call for participation forms part of the ongoing work of the Expert Steering Group on Hypertension Management, which made a compelling case to politicians in Leinster House in May for the need to tackle high blood pressure nationally by expanding structured blood pressure screening in primary care and commissioning a regional cardiovascular disease prevention framework with an all-Ireland reach.

Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in Ireland, with the Irish Heart Foundation estimating the annual cost to the State is €1.7 billion, approximately half of which comprises direct health service costs. Up to 80% of strokes are preventable through earlier detection and better management of cardiovascular risk factors, particularly high blood pressure.

Speaking about the call for patient involvement, Dr Susan Connolly, Consultant Cardiologist and a member of the Expert Steering Group, said: “Patients have a key role to play in improving their cardiovascular health, and that starts with understanding the risks associated with high blood pressure and hypertension. But the language we use to communicate the risk to our patients and how to reduce that risk through managing their blood pressure is equally important. We are encouraging patients to get involved in the development of this pathway to help empower people with a better understanding of these risks.”

“As part of the Expert Steering Group’s work, we are calling for a shift towards a more structured, prevention-focused model that supports earlier detection, timely intervention and ongoing management. This will ultimately help patients reduce their risk of serious cardiovascular events before they occur.”

Dr Natalie Walsh, Co-Lead of PPI Ignite Network Galway at University of Galway, said: “Patient involvement is central to our work, and we are calling on people to get involved in our discussion groups as we develop the plain-language high blood pressure pathway.”

“Our goal is to create a pathway that empowers people to better understand and manage their high blood pressure, helping to prevent avoidable strokes, heart attacks and other cardiovascular complications.”

Discussion groups will be held across Cork, Dublin, Letterkenny, Limerick and Galway, and will take place in August and September. People interested in taking part are asked to contact ppi@universityofgalway.ie to register their interest by Friday, 31 July.

The final pathway and supporting resources are expected to be completed by September 2026.

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