Scaling up cardiovascular disease management in primary care through HEARTS in the Americas
Note: this Editorial is available also in Spanish at https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2022.185.
Efficacy of a standardized and simplified strategy for the treatment of high blood pressure in Chile: the HEARTS Initiative in the Americas
Objective
To evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized and simplified protocol based on the technical pillars of the HEARTS Initiative for the control of hypertensive patients in the Cardiovascular Health Program at the first level of care in Chile.
Integrated approach for noncommunicable disease management in the Americas
An overview of an integrated approach to improve noncommunicable disease (NCD) management is presented, along with tools on integrating NCD management as part of health system strengthening in the Americas. The study is based on an analysis of Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) data and publicly available information on NCD care and capacity, disruptions in NCD services, and guidance on NCD management.
Profile of blood pressure measurement devices purchased in Chile 2018–2020
Objective
To describe the types of blood pressure measurement devices marketed through the Mercado Público platform between 2018 and 2020.
Methods
This is a descriptive study based on transactions on the Mercado Público platform for the purchase of blood pressure measurement devices in the 2018-2020 period. A search was made for any validation granted by international organizations for automatic devices. The results are expressed as absolute and relative frequencies.
Integrating hypertension and diabetes management in primary health care settings: HEARTS as a tool
Hypertension and diabetes are modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors that contribute to nearly one-third of all deaths in the Americas Region each year (2.3 million deaths). Despite advances in the detection and clinical management of hypertension and diabetes, there are substantial gaps in their implementation globally and in the Region. The considerable overlap in risk factors, prognosis, and treatment of hypertension and diabetes creates a unique opportunity for a unified implementation model for management at the population level.
Evaluating progress and addressing actions to eliminate industrially produced trans-fatty acids in the Americas
Objective
To evaluate the progress toward the 2023 target for the elimination of industrially produced transfatty acids (IP-TFA) in the Region of the Americas and to highlight the achievements of the four strategic lines of action from the Plan of Action for the Elimination of IP-TFA 2020-2025.
Building the health-economic case for scaling up the WHO-HEARTS hypertension control package in low- and middle-income countries
Generally, hypertension control programs are cost-effective, including in low- and middle-income countries, but country governments and civil society are not likely to support hypertension control programs unless value is demonstrated in terms of public health benefits, budget impact, and value-for-investment for the individual country context.
Ups and downs of hypertension control in Canada: critical factors and lessons learned
As the leading risk for death, population control of increased blood pressure represents a major challenge for all countries of the Americas. In the early 1990’s, Canada had a hypertension control rate of 13%. The control rate increased to 68% in 2010, accompanied by a sharp decline in cardiovascular disease. The unprecedented improvement in hypertension control started around the year 2000 when a comprehensive program to implement annually updated hypertension treatment recommendations started. The program included a comprehensive monitoring system for hypertension control.
Improving cardiovascular health in primary care in Saint Lucia through the HEARTS Initiative
Objective
To improve blood pressure control and hypertension registry coverage at six demonstration sites in St Lucia.
Chile’s public healthcare sector hypertension control rates before and during the pandemic and HEARTS implementation
Hypertension (arterial blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg) is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, with the greatest burden of attributable deaths in Chile, having a national prevalence of 27.6%.
