[Extract] Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has long been the leading cause of death in the Americas and globally, with high blood pressure accounting for more than half of CVD. The Region of the Americas, with pioneering policies in several countries, is a global leader in public health approaches to dietary sodium reduction.
Hypertension remains the leading cause of cardiovascular disease globally despite the availability of safe and effective treatments. Unfortunately, many barriers exist to controlling hypertension, including a lack of effective screening and awareness, an inability to access treatment and challenges with its management when it is treated. Addressing these barriers is complex and requires engaging in a systematic and sustained approach across communities over time.
In 2021, Mexico launched the HEARTS program to improve the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in 20 primary care facilities in the states of Chiapas and Yucatán. This study projects the annual cost of program implementation and discusses budgetary implications for scaling up the program.
Note: this Editorial is available also in Spanish at https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2022.185.
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.
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.
To describe the types of blood pressure measurement devices marketed through the Mercado Público platform between 2018 and 2020.
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.
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.
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.
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.
