Study to help fight 'silent killer'

A nationwide joint study on hypertension (high blood pressure) intervention was launched in Beijing over the weekend as the number of people diagnosed with the nation's most common chronic disease continues to soar.

Known as "CHIEF" (Chinese Hypertension Intervention Efficacy Study), the study, headed by the Beijing-based Fuwai Hospital, will be the largest of its kind in China, involving more than 150 medical institutions specializing in hypertension treatment and research.

"As a pillar program initiated by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Technology, the study aims to work out a comprehensive way to efficiently contain hypertension," Professor Hu Shousheng, president of Fuwai Hospital, said while addressing the audience at the launch ceremony.