Aware of the fact that arterial hypertension is one of the main causes of premature death in the world, the National Health Service (SNS), through its First Level Care Directorate, is implementing the HEARTS strategy, which Tries to stop and control.
As part of expanding and strengthening this initiative, it is currently implemented in 177 First Level Care Centers (CPN) and 346 Primary Care Units (UNAP) to identify patients who have risk factors or disease and care is provided to them. , Timely monitoring for necessary medicines, follow-up actions and more heart control.
These patients are assessed using an electronic hypertension calculator, where healthcare professionals can quickly estimate cardiovascular risk and the extent to which it can be modified. Also learn the estimation of glomerular filtration to know the status of kidney function.
In addition, through HEARTS, Community Health Circles (CCSs) are strengthened, including home visits to capture at-risk populations, improve early detection, and provide them with a comprehensive, systematic, and comprehensive access to care from their community. Continuous process involves inclusion.
Risk Factors and Prevention
In SNS Center for HEARTS, Dr. Emils Medina explains that the main risk factors for cardiovascular problems are high blood pressure, tobacco and alcohol use, physical inactivity, a sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy diet, which Characterized by high intake of salt, sugar and fat.
“Eating a healthy diet, eating fruits and vegetables, not smoking, doing physical exercise in a disciplined and sustainable manner are some of the habits that reduce the risk of suffering from these diseases,” Medina said.
Statistics
Primary care centers enrolled 44,745 patients with hypertension with the HEARTS strategy, of whom 28,897 were women and 15,848 were men. By age range, most diagnoses of the disease occur between the ages of 50 and 69, with a total of 20,498 patients being admitted, for which they are instructed to take care of themselves and lead a healthy lifestyle.
According to a study conducted in 2021 by the Ministry of Public Health, on the prevalence of overweight, hypertension and diabetes, it was discovered that 32.3% of the Dominican population suffers from hypertension, while 12% suffer from diabetes mellitus.
An important fact
In October 2019, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) together with the National Health Service (SNS), the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) and the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) established the HEARTS initiative in the Dominican Republic. , To integrate existing health services and promote the prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases.
