a) All hypertensive patients( at least one systolic BP > 150) in Ashgrove Health Centre for whom recent baseline information is available will be invited to take part in this study. As there are many households (approx. 30) with more than one hypertensive patient, randomisation will take place at household, rather than individual level, so that people living at the same address will receive the same treatment. Participants will be randomised into two groups (using a random number generator). One group will receive a detailed guideline and record card derived from the Lothian Hypertension Guideline which gives general information about blood pressure, but also provides the patient with clear guidelines as to how their blood pressure should be managed by medical and nursing staff and a clear exhortation to question their care if the guideline is not being adhered to (see attached draft). They will also be given a standard, high quality patient information booklet produced by the British Hypertension Society. The second group will be given the British Hypertension Society booklet only . This group will not be specifically exhorted to challenge their care in the same way as the other group.