Innovative Approaches to Hypertension Control in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Cardiol Clin. 2017 Feb;35(1):99-115. doi: 10.1016/j.ccl.2016.08.010.

Abstract

Elevated blood pressure, a major risk factor for ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and stroke, is the leading global risk for mortality. Treatment and control rates are very low in low- and middle-income countries. There is an urgent need to address this problem. The Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases sponsored research projects focus on controlling hypertension, including community engagement, salt reduction, salt substitution, task redistribution, mHealth, and fixed-dose combination therapies. This paper reviews the rationale for each approach and summarizes the experience of some of the research teams. The studies demonstrate innovative and practical methods for improving hypertension control.

Keywords: Community engagement; Hypertension; Low- and middle-income countries; Polypill; Salt reduction; Salt substitution; Task redistribution; mHealth.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Blood Pressure*
  • Developing Countries*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension* / epidemiology
  • Hypertension* / physiopathology
  • Hypertension* / therapy
  • Incidence
  • Risk Factors
  • Telemedicine / methods*

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents