Evaluating the World Health Organization's HEARTS Model for Hypertension and Diabetes Management: A Pilot

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2025

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis
07:51

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis

Published on: September 26, 2018

7.6K

Irmgardt Alicia Wellmann1, Luis Fernando Ayala1, Taryn M Valley2,3

  • 1INCAP Research Center for Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Medrxiv : the Preprint Server for Health Sciences
|October 17, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Implementing the World Health Organization HEARTS model for integrated hypertension and diabetes care in Guatemala was feasible and acceptable. This pilot study offers valuable insights for scaling up cardiovascular disease management in primary care settings.

Area of Science:

  • Global Health
  • Primary Care Management
  • Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

Background:

  • The World Health Organization HEARTS Technical Package aims to enhance primary care for cardiovascular disease risk factors globally.
  • This study piloted an integrated hypertension and diabetes management approach based on the HEARTS model in Guatemala.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report outcomes from a pilot implementation trial of integrated hypertension and diabetes management using the HEARTS model.
  • To assess the feasibility and acceptability of the HEARTS-aligned strategies in Guatemalan primary care facilities.

Main Methods:

  • A 6-month single-arm pilot implementation trial was conducted in 11 Guatemalan Ministry of Health primary care facilities.
  • Five HEARTS-aligned strategies were evaluated to improve pharmacological treatment for hypertension and diabetes.
  • Feasibility and acceptability were assessed via staff interviews, enrollment, and retention data.

Main Results:

  • The pilot enrolled 964 patients with hypertension and/or diabetes.
  • Feasibility and acceptability scores among staff exceeded benchmarks (median 5.0).
  • While patient follow-up rates were lower than targeted (36%), hypertension treatment rates increased significantly.

Conclusions:

  • Integrated hypertension and diabetes management based on the HEARTS model demonstrated general feasibility and acceptability in Guatemala's Ministry of Health.
  • Findings can inform national scale-up efforts in Guatemala and guide similar HEARTS implementation projects internationally.
Abstract

Keywords:
GuatemalaWHO HEARTS technical packagediabetesglobal healthhealth policy and systems researchhypertensionimplementation research

More Related Videos

A Method for Manipulating Blood Glucose and Measuring Resulting Changes in Cognitive Accessibility of Target Stimuli08:01

A Method for Manipulating Blood Glucose and Measuring Resulting Changes in Cognitive Accessibility of Target Stimuli

Published on: August 12, 2016

9.0K
Modeling and Evaluation of Murine Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Model06:22

Modeling and Evaluation of Murine Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Model

Published on: November 29, 2024

535

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications01:28

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications

Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...
3
Hypertension V: Nursing management01:23

Hypertension V: Nursing management

The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.
2
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
3
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
2
Hypertension I: Introduction01:28

Hypertension I: Introduction

Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
2
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure01:10

Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure

Accurate blood pressure assessment is crucial for diagnosing and managing various health conditions. To ensure the reliability of these measurements, healthcare professionals must adhere to standardized pre-procedural guidelines. These guidelines enhance patient safety and improve the overall quality of healthcare. The following steps are essential for obtaining accurate and consistent blood pressure readings, from using the appropriate tools to ensuring effective communication with the...
522