I have over 25 years’ experience of working in academic research relating to human health. My research expertise is in cardiovascular pathology and diagnosis.

Pregnancy and cardiovascular risk

Having high blood pressure during and following pregnancy can occasionally lead to very serious problems such as pre-eclampsia or stroke. I joined the hypertension team in 2011 to work on a new research area examining the use of self-monitoring of blood pressure during and following hypertensive pregnancy. This research has developed to include large randomised controlled trials, pilot and feasibility studies, accuracy studies, systematic reviews, surveys, intervention development with co-design, cost analysis, and qualitative research projects.

Hypertension in the general population

Self-monitoring of blood pressure has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve blood pressure control in hypertensive patients. To understand how it should best be implemented, and which groups would benefit most, we completed an international individual patient data meta-analyses of self-monitoring in the hypertensive population. BP-Smart

The best way to reduce the health risks associated with hypertension is to reduce blood pressure, however around a third of people with hypertension do not have their blood pressure properly controlled. We are carrying out an in-depth analysis of the implementation of a digital intervention designed to help GPs and people with hypertension to manage their condition together; with patients measuring their blood pressure at home and input from a GP or specialist when needed. The project will involve qualitative and quantitative analysis methods.