Expanding team-based care for hypertension and cardiovascular risk management with HEARTS in the Americas

Vilma Irazola1, Carolina Prado1, Andres Rosende2

  • 1Department of Research in Chronic Diseases Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS) Buenos Aires Argentina Department of Research in Chronic Diseases, Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Insights

Team-based care improves blood pressure control and quality of life for hypertension patients in the Americas. A policy framework is proposed to overcome barriers and scale this effective primary health care model.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Cardiology
  • Health Policy

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, with hypertension as a primary modifiable risk factor.
  • Hypertension affects over 30% of adults in Latin America and the Caribbean, but control rates are low.
  • The HEARTS in the Americas Initiative promotes team-based care in primary health to manage hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk.

Related Concept Videos

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Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

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Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring01:25

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Several factors...
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Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data01:23

Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data

A thorough health history and physical assessment are essential for identifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) symptoms and distinguishing them from other health issues.
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
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Blood Pressure Imbalances and Circulatory Shock01:24

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Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure is 120-129/under 80 mm Hg. Hypertension, warranting treatment at 130/80 mm Hg, is often asymptomatic and can lead to severe cardiovascular events, aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, chronic renal disease, or cardiac...
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