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Cardiovascular Health Resource Library

Find guidance, case studies, advocacy tools and more for large-scale heart health programs

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Virtual Course: Regulatory Policies to Prevent Obesity and Diet-related Noncommunicable Diseases

Pan American Health Organization

Virtual course developed by PAHO aiming to strengthen capacity to design and advance effective regulatory policies that reduce the demand for and offer of ultra-processed and processed products to prevent obesity and diet-related NCDs in the Region of the Americas.

Guideline: sodium intake for adults and children

World Health Organization

This guideline offers evidence-based recommendations for reducing sodium intake to prevent NCDs, supporting policymakers and program planners in assessing intake levels, developing interventions, and aligning efforts with global health targets.

WHO global report on sodium intake reduction

World Health Organization

WHO report assessing global progress in implementing sodium reduction policies, providing insights by country, region, and income group to guide future actions for reducing sodium intake and improving cardiovascular health.

front page of JAMA article on blood pressure positioning

Arm Position and Blood Pressure Readings: The ARMS Crossover Randomized Clinical Trial

Faulty blood pressure readings can put lives at risk. A new randomized clinical trial shows that commonly used arm positions (lap or side) result in substantially higher blood pressure readings which can lead to false diagnoses and over-treatment. To measure blood pressures accurately, the arm should be supported at heart level. The authors call for clinical guidelines to include this new evidence-based knowledge.

 

Key Points

Question  What is the effect of commonly used arm positions on blood pressure (BP) measurements compared to the standard, recommended position?

Findings  This crossover randomized clinical trial of 133 adults showed that supporting the arm on the lap overestimated systolic BP by 3.9 mm Hg and diastolic BP by 4.0 mm Hg. An unsupported arm at the side overestimated systolic BP by 6.5 mm Hg and diastolic BP by 4.4 mm Hg, with consistent results across subgroups.

Meaning  Commonly used, nonstandard arm positions during BP measurements substantially overestimate BP, highlighting the need for standardized positioning.

Abstract

Importance  Guidelines for blood pressure (BP) measurement recommend arm support on a desk with the midcuff positioned at heart level. Still, nonstandard positions are used in clinical practice (eg, with arm resting on the lap or unsupported on the side).

Objective  To determine the effect of different arm positions on BP readings.

Design, Setting, and Participants  This crossover randomized clinical trial recruited adults between the ages of 18 and 80 years in Baltimore, Maryland, from August 9, 2022, to June 1, 2023.

Intervention  Participants were randomly assigned to sets of triplicate BP measurements with the arm positioned in 3 ways: (1) supported on a desk (desk 1; reference), (2) hand supported on lap (lap), and (3) arm unsupported at the side (side). To account for intrinsic BP variability, all participants underwent a fourth set of BP measurements with the arm supported on a desk (desk 2).

Main Outcomes and Measures  The primary outcomes were the difference in differences in mean systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) between the reference BP (desk 1) and the 2 arm support positions (lap and side): (lap or side − desk 1) − (desk 2 − desk 1). Results were also stratified by hypertensive status, age, obesity status, and access to health care within the past year.

Results  The trial enrolled 133 participants (mean [SD] age, 57 [17] years; 70 [53%] female); 48 participants (36%) had SBP of 130 mm Hg or higher, and 55 participants (41%) had a body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) of 30 or higher. Lap and side positions resulted in statistically significant higher BP readings than desk positions, with the difference in differences as follows: lap, SBP Δ 3.9 (95% CI, 2.5-5.2) mm Hg and DBP Δ 4.0 (95% CI, 3.1-5.0) mm Hg; and side, SBP Δ 6.5 (95% CI, 5.1-7.9) mm Hg and DBP Δ 4.4 (95% CI, 3.4-5.4) mm Hg. The patterns were generally consistent across subgroups.

Conclusion and Relevance  This crossover randomized clinical trial showed that commonly used arm positions (lap or side) resulted in substantial overestimation of BP readings and may lead to misdiagnosis and overestimation of hypertension.

Trial Registration  ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05372328

 

cover photo for the document titled Guide to management of overdue patients with hypertension showing a woman with a green headdress using a digital device

Guide for Management of Overdue Patients with Hypertension

Resolve to Save Lives

In this new guide from Resolve to Save Lives, large-scale hypertension programs can better find patients who are overdue for a health visit and bring them back to care. Reducing loss to follow-up is a leading way to improve hypertension control and reduce deaths from heart attacks and strokes. Phone calls, text messages, and home visits keep patients retained in treatment.

Program managers can use this resource to support their staff to track and manage overdue patients and successfully get them the care they need.

 

Other related resources:

 

Github page for DHIS2 hypertension and diabetes control package

DHIS2

Download the new DHIS2 hypertension and diabetes control package—a free, open-source health management data platform developed by DHIS2 and Resolve to Save Lives.

Factsheet for DHIS2 for Hypertension & Diabetes Programs

Resolve to Save Lives

DHIS2 Tracker is a free, open-source health management data platform developed by DHIS2 and Resolve to Save Lives that program managers can use to monitor large-scale non-communicable disease (NCD) programs. The new version 2.0 integrates hypertension and diabetes care and is optimized for use in busy primary care facilities that manage thousands of patients. DHIS2  is quick and simple enough to record individual patient data during clinical care and records only the data you need to treat patients effectively and monitor outcomes. Not only is DHIS2 a practical, sustainable, ready-to-use solution, but it’s cost-effective and easy-to-train, too.

Over 70 countries rely on DHIS2 to manage health programs for TB, malaria, Covid-19, MCH, vaccinations, and more, and Nigeria now uses it to manage their large-scale NCD program. Your country can be next.

This factsheet offers key features and a use-case from Nigeria.

Learn more about true user-centered care and the Digital team at Resolve to Save Lives.

Demo site for DHIS2 hypertension and diabetes control package

DHIS2

Demo the new DHIS2 hypertension and diabetes control package—a free, open-source health management data platform developed by DHIS2 and Resolve to Save Lives.

7.5 million lives saved and counting

Resolve to Save Lives

Resolve to Save Lives’ partnerships for heart health between 2018 and 2023 will result in 7.5 million fewer deaths worldwide. Here’s how we supported countries to make rapid progress, and how we measured our impact.

report cover page with yellow map of the world indicating protection from toxic trans fat globally

5-year progress report on global trans fat elimination

World Health Organization

New World Health Organization progress report, supported by RTSL.

Since initial call to action in 2018 for all countries to eliminate toxic trans fat and protect their people from this risk factor for heart attack and strokes, 43 more countries have banned trans fat protecting an additional 2.8 billion people, or 46% of the world—as compared to just 6% 5 years ago. The REPLACE technical package provides guidance on best-practice policies that governments can implement today to protect the remaining 54% of the world from this harmful but easily replaceable food additive.

Guide to Developing Nutrition Standards

Resolve to Save Lives

Nutrition standards guide developed by Resolve to Save Lives that governments can use to ensure food and beverages purchased, served and/or sold in government settings such as schools, public hospitals, childcare or child development facilities, correctional facilities and government workplaces are healthy and low in sodium.

Lower sodium, longer lives

Resolve to Save Lives

Sodium reduction is the single most important dietary intervention for improving heart health and saving lives. Learn more in this resource developed by Resolve to Save Lives.

Designing an optimal digital tool for hypertension and other long-term treatment programs

Designing an optimal digital tool for hypertension and other long-term treatment programs

Resolve to Save Lives

Playbook with step-by-step guidance for creating an effective digital tool for hypertension management and other chronic disease programs

Healthy Public Food Procurement and Service Policies Fact Sheet

RESOLVE TO SAVE LIVES

Core principles, benefits and resources for implementing healthy food procurement and service policies.

Monitoring foods and beverages provided and sold in public sector settings

Monitoring foods and beverages provided and sold in public sector settings

Step-wise framework for monitoring, includes: 1) previous monitoring activities of school food programs, and 2) survey questions for initial assessment.

INFORMAS Public Sector Policies and Actions – The Healthy Food Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI)

INFORMAS

The policy index measures the extent of implementation of health food environment policies by governments compared to international best practice and includes a module on Food Provision. Scientific article describes in detail: L’Abbe M, Schermel A, Minaker L, Kelly B, Lee A, Vandevijvere S, Twohig P, Sarquera S, Friel S, Hawkes C, et al. Monitoring foods and beverages provided and sold in public sector settings. Obesity Reviews. 2013;14(Suppl. 1):96–107l.

Healthy food procurement policies and their impact

NIEBYLSKI ML ET AL. INT J ENVIRON RES PUBLIC HEALTH. 2014.

Systematic review of the evidence base for healthy food procurement policies

trans fat comms toolkit WHO Resolve to Save Lives

Trans fat elimination communications toolkit

World Health Organization, Resolve to Save Lives

Toolkit for communications and advocacy activities to accelerate the adoption of trans fat elimination policies, including social media resources and customizable templates

WHO global hypertension report: race against a silent killer

Global report on hypertension: The race against a silent killer

World Health Organization

WHO’s first-ever report on the global burden of high blood pressure and the progress made to manage the disease.

Implementation of Global Hearts Hypertension Control Programs in 32 Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Implementation of Global Hearts Hypertension Control Programs in 32 Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Andrew E. Moran, ET AL.

In the Journal of American College of Cardiology International, a summary of success, progress, and lessons learned during the first five years of the HEARTS initiative.

5 components blood pressure control

Our formula for effective hypertension care

Resolve to Save Lives

There are five crucial components of hypertension care at public health scale: simple treatment protocols; access to quality, affordable medications, team-based care and task sharing; patient-centered care; and strong information systems.

Sodium Reduction Framework

Resolve to Save Lives

This framework summarizes the recommended components of a comprehensive dietary sodium reduction program, and provides links to existing implementation tools, examples of successful programs and other resources.

Implementing and enforcing trans fat elimination policies: Case studies

Resolve to Save Lives

Series of case studies documenting experiences from around the world with the implementation and enforcement of trans fat regulations

Developing and Implementing a Trans Fat Elimination Policy: A 7-Step Guide for Policymakers

Resolve to Save Lives

Fact sheet from Resolve to Save Lives with practical steps for countries to develop and implement best practice trans fat elimination policies

HIV hypertension integration

Integrating hypertension and HIV management: Toolkit

Resolve to Save Lives

A practical guide to a patient-centered approach to integrating hypertension and HIV care using differentiated service delivery

DHIS2 for hypertension

DHIS2 Package for Hypertension & Diabetes Control Programs

Resolve to Save Lives

A hypertension and diabetes control package for the District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2)—a free, open-source health management data platform.

Not only is DHIS2 a practical, sustainable, ready-to-use solution, but it’s cost-effective and easy-to-train, too.

Developed by the Federal Ministry of Health in Nigeria in collaboration with WHO-Nigeria and the University of Oslo, the newly updated DHIS2 hypertension/diabetes program (v2) and DHIS2 Android app (v3.0) are now available, meaning DHIS2 is optimized for use in busy primary care facilities managing thousands of patients with hypertension and diabetes, is quick and simple enough to record individual patient data during clinical care, and records only the data you need to treat patients effectively and monitor outcomes. Program managers can use the HEARTS360 dashboard to monitor WHO HEARTS indicators for large-scale non-communicable disease (NCD) programs. The DHIS2 package is now available to any country in the world.

Quick-Start Guide to Implementing a National Hypertension Control Program

Resolve to Save Lives

Fact sheet from Resolve to Save Lives with six steps to implementing a successful national hypertension control program.

Trans fat elimination: Reasons for policy action now

Resolve to Save Lives

Fact sheet from Resolve to Save Lives on the status of trans fat elimination policies globally

Cover image from Resolve to Save lives report Under Pressure:Strategies to improve access to medicines to treat high blood pressure in low- and middle-income countries

Under Pressure: Strategies to improve access to medicines to treat high blood pressure

Resolve to Save Lives and Médecins Sans Frontières

Our report, developed in collaboration with the Médecins Sans Frontières Access project, identifies barriers to affordable blood pressure medication in LMICs and underscores the need for a transformation of the global blood pressure medicines market to make life-saving medicines more affordable and available.

WHO 5 keys to a healthy diet

World Health Organization

Describes five key elements of a healthy diet.

A framework to monitor and evaluate implementation of the WHO global strategy on diet, physical activity and health (2008)

WHO

This paper sets out an approach to measure the implementation of the WHO Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health (DPAS) at country level and proposes a framework and indicators for this purpose. The indicators provided in this document should be seen as examples to be used, as appropriate, after adjusting to the country reality. The proposed framework and indicators are intended to provide a simple and reliable tool for Member States. The indicators are also intended to be flexible and adaptable to national circumstances and to take into account existing as well as planned activities in surveillance and monitoring.

Nutrition guidelines and standards for school meals: A report from 33 low and middle-income countries (2019)

Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations

Results of global survey on school meals; report identifies key aspects to consider when developing or updating school meal program standards.

NOURISHING Framework

World Cancer Research Fund International

Searchable database of implemented policies to promote healthy diets and reduce obesity. Use Section O (Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings) to search for public food procurement examples.

Food Service Guidelines Organizational Policy Template

Adapted from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

A template for organizational food policy guidelines adapted from the CDC

Eating Well in Government Venues website

ChangeLab Solutions, United States

Model policies for policymakers. Website links to resources on creating healthy food service on government property and an infographic on buying food for health and equity.

Action framework for developing and implementing public food procurement and service policies for a healthy diet

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

Provides an overview of how to develop, implement, assess compliance with, and evaluate the effectiveness of a healthy public food procurement and service policy. It is intended for government policy makers or program managers working on public food procurement or service, at either a national or a subnational level, including at regional, provincial and city levels.

Replacing Trans Fat the Healthiest Way

Resolve to Save Lives

Fact sheet from Resolve to Save Lives on healthier replacement oils

REPLACE Technical Package

World Health Organization

Website with all materials related to WHO’s REPLACE initiative

Rapid Assessment of Trans Fat in Fats and Oils (English)

Sampling protocol from Resolve to Save Lives and Global Health Advocacy Incubator

Infographic: Trans Fat Country Score Card

World Health Organization

Map from WHO showing status of trans fat elimination around the world

Annotated bibliography: Trans fat elimination

Resolve to Save Lives

Annotated bibliography from Resolve to Save Lives. Updated 5/2018.

WHO global sodium benchmarks for different food categories, 2nd ed

World Health Organization

A document that updates the global sodium benchmarks developed in 2021 for different food categories to help reduce salt intake using country experiences (updated in 2024)

What's in our food? A guide to implementing effective front of package nutrient labels

What’s in Our Food? A guide to introducing effective front-of-package nutrient labels

Vital Strategies

Step-by-step guide to developing front-of-package labels

Priority actions to advance population sodium reduction

Nicole Ide et al

An article identifying high priority strategies that address reduction of sodium intake through home-cooked food, packaged food, food consumed outside the home

Global sodium reduction strategies course

Johns Hopkins School of Public Health

A nine-module online course to help policy makers and health advocates design, plan, and implement global sodium reduction interventions at low- and middle-income countries

Building momentum: Lessons on implementing a robust front-of-pack food label

World Cancer Research Fund International

A report on key recommendations and advice to policymakers who are designing and implementing front-of pack food labelling in nutrition policies

Action framework for developing and implementing public food procurement and service policies for a healthy diet

World Health Organization

A resource that provides guidance for governments on how to develop, implement, and strengthen a healthy public food procurement or service on a national or sub-national level

Preventing cardiovascular disease through salt reduction: Strategies for success

Resolve to Save Lives

Summarizes RTSL’s approach to sodium reduction, including two page summaries for key interventions (sodium targets, FOPL, food procurement and service, low sodium salt, policy advocacy and communications) 

WHO Shake technical package

The SHAKE Technical Package for Salt Reduction

World Health Organization

A technical package from WHO designed to assist countries with the development, implementation, and monitoring of salt reduction strategies to reduce population salt intake

Annotated bibliography: sodium reduction

Resolve to Save Lives

A collection of literature relevant to the science of salt reduction and on sodium reduction interventions

RTSL Six step guide hypertension program

Managing Large-Scale Hypertension Control Programs: A Six-Step Guide

Resolve to Save Lives

Our guide for program managers starting up national or subnational hypertension control programs, broken down into six steps and and supported by practical tools from our hypertension control resource library and the WHO HEARTS technical package and adaptable to the local program and setting.

Lives Saved Calculator for Cardiovascular Health Interventions

Resolve to Save Lives

Calculator modeling the impact of cardiovascular health interventions (including improved hypertension control) by country

HEARTS technical package

World Health Organization

WHO’s technical package for cardiovascular disease management in primary health care

screenshot of first page of Nutrients study about food labeling study in Bangladesh

Designing Front-of-Package Labels to Inform Consumers and Encourage Healthier Food Choices in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study

Lindsay S. Taillie, et al.

New study co-authored by the RTSL nutrition team uses focus groups of consumers in Bangladesh to better understand purchasing decisions and effectiveness of nutrition labels. Chief food purchase concerns include that a food has sufficient beneficial nutrients, is free from germs or toxins, and does not contain high levels of nutrients of concern. Results suggest that front-of-package labels would help consumers more easily identify unhealthy foods and that warning labels were perceived as more effective than color-coded labels.

Abstract:

Background/Objectives: Front-of-package labeling (FOPL) policies are a useful strategy to inform consumers about foods high in nutrients of concern, but little is known about what type of label works best in Bangladesh, a country with increasing levels of unhealthy food intake and diet-related diseases. Methods: We conducted 10 focus groups with men and women in rural and urban Bangladesh (n = 76). Using a semi-structured discussion guide, we asked consumers for their perceptions of the healthfulness of nutrients and foods, two common FOPLs (a color-coded guideline daily allowance [GDA] label and a warning label), and different visual elements of the warning label (e.g., shape, icon, text). Results: Participants understood the health harms of sugar and salt consumption but were less clear on saturated fat. Both FOPLs were perceived as helpful for identifying unhealthy foods, but the warning labels were perceived as easier to understand and more likely to influence behaviors than the GDA. Regarding the design of warning labels, participants perceived warning devices, holding straps, and octagonal shapes as effective but had mixed reactions to which icons or textual statements were most effective. Conclusions: FOPLs are likely to facilitate Bangladeshi consumers’ ability to identify unhealthy products. Further research is needed to understand the impact on food choices as well as the most effective design in this population.

Trends in hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control in the Thai population, 2004 to 2020

A new study in BMC conducted and funded by RTSL’s partners in Thailand analyzes trends in hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control in Thailand over the past 15 years. Despite significant strides such as the adoption of universal health coverage, hypertension awareness and blood pressure control remain a challenge throughout Thailand. An urgent and concerted public health response is needed to improve diagnosis and control of hypertension to prevent premature deaths from this leading killer.

Resolve to Save Lives works closely with governments to improve heart health and save lives from high blood pressure, the world’s leading killer. Learn more here.

screenshot of Frontiers journal article on warning labels for packaged foods

Global overview of government-endorsed nutrition labeling policies of packaged foods: a document review

Ummay Afroza, et al.

Clear and accurate nutrition labeling on food products is an important way for consumers to understand what’s in the foods they buy. This new comprehensive review in Frontiers led by partners at the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh and co-authored by Resolve to Save Lives shows that governments are scaling up action to help consumers make informed food choices especially through front-of-package labels (FOPL). Research in the field shows that the most effective FOPL is mandatory; uses a black and white warning label design to flag products high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fat; and is developed free from any conflicts of interest.

Learn more about RTSL’s work to create healthier food environments here, or browse our library of key resources.

Vital Strategies; Guidelines for Media Planning 

Vital Strategies

A resource outlining Vital Strategies’ Breakthrough model for planning strategic communication campaigns to achieve measurable public health outcomes.

Singapore Case Study: Reducing Singaporeans’ High Sodium Intake

Resolve to Save Lives

A case study on Singapore’s national strategy to reduce sodium intake through the promotion of lower-sodium alternatives

Getting Fiscal Policies Right: Lessons and recommendations across NCD risk factors

NCD Alliance

NCD report highlighting common best practice fiscal policies consistent with NCD prevention as well as measures that are recommended as highly effective in reducing the enormous strain of NCDs.

Food taxes for healthy eating

Imperial College Business School

A preliminary report by the Centre for Health Economics and Policy Innovation advocating for a broader approach to food taxes by applying nutrient profile models to define tax bases, rates, or tiers, aligning taxation with the nutritional quality and health impact of foods.

Fiscal policies to promote healthy diets: WHO guideline

World Health Organization

A WHO guideline offering Member States recommendations on implementing fiscal policies, such as taxes and subsidies, to promote healthy diets by influencing consumer behavior through price adjustments at the retail level.

 

Policies to protect children from the harmful impact of food marketing: WHO guideline

World Health Organization

This guideline builds on the 2010 WHO Set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children, and takes into consideration more recent evidence specific to children and to the context of food marketing.

Protecting children from the harmful impact of food marketing: policy brief

World Health Organization

A policy brief providing guidance for policymakers, program managers, and advocates on implementing comprehensive strategies to protect children from the harmful impact of food marketing by reducing both their exposure to and the influence of such marketing practices.

Selling a sick future: countering harmful marketing to children and young people across risk factors for NCDs

NCD Alliance

A guide on how to counter harmful commercial marketing towards children and young people across risk factors for noncommunicable diseases.  

WHO South-East Asia Region Sodium Benchmarks for Packaged Foods

World Health Organization South-East Asia Regional Office

A document that tailors the 2021 global sodium benchmarks for packaged food categories to the South-East Asia Region, incorporating regional food sources and sodium levels to support countries in setting feasible reformulation targets and advancing sodium reduction efforts.

RTSL-UW Lives Saved Calculator 

University of Washington, Resolve to Save Lives

Models how many lives could be saved in countries around the world by scaling up hypertension control and reducing salt consumption by the year 2040 

FOPWL regulations around the globe

Global Health Advocacy Incubator

Overview of front-of-package warning labelling policies around the world developed by GHAI

PAHO: Protocol for Population Level Sodium Determination in 24‐hour Urine Samples

Pan American Health Organization

The WHO/PAHO Protocol for Population Level Sodium Determination in 24-hour Urine Samples guides countries in conducting surveys to estimate dietary salt intake, offering support for planning, staff training, data collection, and result dissemination to advance salt reduction initiatives

Countering Industry Interference: Industry Watch Resources

Global Health Advocacy Incubator

Centralized location for industry alerts, policy briefs, and reports to help organizations stay up-to-date on the ultra-processed food and beverage industry.

Reducing Demand for Unhealthy Food: Resources

Global Health Advocacy Incubator

Collection of advocacy resources on various health food policies such as Front-of-Package Warning Labels, Marketing Restrictions, Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes, and Trans fatty Acids Eliminations.

Advocacy Action Guide Four Phases to Health Policy Success

Global health Advocacy Incubator

Guide developed by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) to provide public health advocates with strategies, case studies, and lessons from over 40 countries to plan, organize, and implement effective advocacy for health policy outcomes.

NOURISHING Database

World Cancer Research Fund

The NOURISHING database, built on the NOURISHING policy framework, offers a comprehensive set of policies to guide policymakers, researchers, and civil society in promoting healthy diets and combating obesity and NCDs across ten key action areas.

Tackling NCDs: best buys and other recommended interventions for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases, 2nd ed

World Health Organization

WHO’s updated list of “best buys” and recommended interventions for addressing NCDs, aligned with the extended Global Action Plan (2013–2030) to help countries achieve the nine voluntary NCD targets and advance SDG 3 on good health and well-being.

RTSL Global Nutrition Database  for Packaged Foods

Resolve to Save Lives

Provides centralized access to category level nutrient data for packaged foods sold around the world 

Improving hypertension care among private sector providers in India

Andrew E. Moran, et al.

A recent analysis authored by RTSL and our partners in India shows a lack of awareness among private sector providers in India that high blood pressure is a critical health threat. Providing prescriptions to patients is the first step in increasing medication availability and affordability. To encourage evidence-based hypertension care, the government and NGOs could implement strategies such as tailored incentives, financial rewards, tax benefits, accreditation, and recognition for private healthcare providers who prioritize controlling high blood pressure. Professional bodies in the private sector should establish programs emphasizing quality assurance and certifications in this area. Future research should focus on designing and testing new models for private sector hypertension service delivery.

screenshot of first page of factsheet titled "Phone Calls to Overdue Patients with Hypertension"

Phone Calls to Overdue Patients with Hypertension – factsheet

Resolve to Save Lives

This two-page factsheet outlines the key takeaways from the full guide, Guide for Management of Overdue Patients with Hypertension, and is designed as a resource for staff in your hypertension clinic.

 

Other related resources:

table graphic depicting the four steps to leading good data review meetings

Leading a Good Data Review Meeting – factsheet

Resolve to Save Lives

This one-page factsheet outlines the key takeaways from the full guide, Leading a Good Data Review Meeting, and is designed as a resource for staff in your hypertension clinic.

 

Other related resources:

circular graphic depicting four continuous steps to leading productive data review meetings

Leading a Good Data Review Meeting

Resolve to Save Lives

The ultimate goal of a successful hypertension program is to improve blood pressure control at the population level. Establishing regular data review meetings to review program progress using the HEARTS360 dashboard can enhance decision-making and build a culture of quality and accountability for large-scale hypertension programs. Use the following four steps to identify, address, and track barriers to blood pressure control within your hypertension program.

 

Other related resources:

screenshot of first page of pdf titled IMPROVING RETENTION IN CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION Change Package: Overdue Patient Management

Change Package: Overdue Patient Management

Resolve to Save Lives

Program managers of large-scale hypertension programs can use the evidence-based interventions outlined in this new resource from Resolve to Save Lives to better track and manage patients overdue for a visit—and return them to care.

 

Other related resources:

Decentralizing hypertension care in Punjab and Maharashtra States

BioMed Central Ltd

By bringing care delivery closer to communities, we can provide more people with access to quality care, improve hypertension control and save more lives. Our experts in India documented the decentralization process and its impact on patient outcomes in nine districts from 2018–2022.

Factors affecting patient retention to hypertension treatment in a North Indian State: A mixed-method study

Patient retention to hypertension treatment: A mixed-method study from North India

The Journal of Clinical Hypertension

Improving hypertension control requires patient retention to hypertension treatment, which requires ready access to care. This study highlights the need for improved primary care services and patient-centered services, including extended clinic hours and diagnostic facilities.

Experts from Resolve to Save Lives India analyzed patient retention rates in hypertension treatment using a mixed-method concurrent design in a North Indian district, considering socio-demographic characteristics and patient follow-up rates along with focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with health care providers and patients. Patient retention and blood pressure control were better at Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) levels;  barriers such as medication side effects, pill burden, and limited health care access hindered patient retention and medication adherence, compromising hypertension control at higher-level facilities, notably among females.

“The decentralization process involved training, treatment protocol provision, supervision, and monitoring. Among 394,038 individuals registered with hypertension from 2018–2021, 69% were under care in 2022. Nearly half of those under care (129,720/273,355) received treatment from HWCs in 2022. Care of hypertensive individuals from district hospitals (14%), community health centres (20%), and primary health centres (24%) were decentralized to HWCs. Overall BP control rose from 20% (4,004/20,347) in 2019 to 58% (157,595/273,355) in 2022, while missed visits decreased from 61% (12,394/20,347) in 2019 to 26% (70,894/273,355) in 2022. This trend was consistent in both states. HWCs exhibited the highest BP control and the lowest missed visits throughout the study period compared to other facility types.”

Read the full study here.

Authors: Nidhi Jaswal PhD, Sonu Goel PhD, Kritika Upadhyay MPH, Anupam Khungar Pathni MBBS, Om Prakash Bera MPH, MBA, Vandana Shah LLM

Cover image from LIVING LONGER AND HEALTHIER: INTEGRATING HIV AND HYPERTENSION SERVICES FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV IN INDIA from RTSL

Living Longer and Healthier: Integrating HIV and Hypertension Services for People Living with HIV in India

Resolve to Save Lives

Learn how integrating hypertension management in HIV services improved health outcomes in India.

Cover image from "Lower Sodium, Longer LIves in India" from RTSL

Lower Sodium, Longer Lives in India

Resolve to Save LIves

Sodium reduction is the single most important dietary intervention for improving heart health and saving lives in India. Learn more in this resource developed by Resolve to Save Lives.

Addressing Unhealthy Diets in India

Learn more about Resolve to Save Lives’ comprehensive, cost-effective interventions to promote healthier diets and save lives in India.

Resolve to Save Lives: India Country Profile

Resolve to Save Lives

Learn more about how Resolve to Save Lives is working to end preventable deaths from cardiovascular disease in India.

Blood pressure poster study

RESOLVE TO SAVE LIVES

A qualitative study conducted by Resolve to Save Lives determined this poster to be the most impactful for encouraging patients to take their blood pressure medications daily. Forty patients from five different places said they prefer this poster because it shows someone actually taking their medication, which made clear what they needed to do.

Saving lives through comprehensive sodium reduction

RESOLVE TO SAVE LIVES

A six-step guide developed by Resolve to Save Lives that governments can follow to help reduce sodium consumption at the national level.

Regulate Trans Fat, Even if Burden is Low

Resolve to Save Lives

Fact sheet from Resolve to Save Lives making the case for trans fat regulation in low-burden settings

Increasing uptake of low-sodium salt

RESOLVE TO SAVE LIVES

Fact sheet highlighting the addition of low-sodium salt to one’s diet to reduce blood pressure and associated risk of heart attack or stroke.

Nutrient profile models: A valuable tool for developing healthy food policies

Nutrient Profile Models: A valuable tool for developing healthy food policies

Global Health Advocacy Incubator

Position paper from GHAI, Resolve to Save Lives and other partners presenting best practices for defining, selecting and using effective NPMs.

Healthy School Canteen

NEW SOUTH WALES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, AUSTRALIA

Includes resources to support transitioning to healthier school canteens for school leaders, canteen managers, parents, and communities.

Healthy Food and Drink in NSW Health Facilities for Staff and Visitors Framework (2017)

NEW SOUTH WALES GOVERNMENT HEALTH, AUSTRALIA

Best practice guidelines for health facilities to use for cafes/cafeterias, vending machines, convenience stores/newsagents, retail premises, and catering.

ACT Healthy Food and Drink Choices

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY (ACT) GOVERNMENT

Standards for food and drinks available to staff, volunteers, and visitors for ACT Health premises; links to Healthy Food and Drink Choices and Vending Machine Management Policies.

Resources for Victoria School Operations: Canteens, Healthy Eating and Other Food Services

VICTORIA STATE GOVERNMENT, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING, AUSTRALIA

Resources to assist schools develop healthy canteens. The website includes links to the policy, evaluating changes, food planners, and educational materials.

Kaiser Permanente Healthy Picks website

KAISER PERMANENTE, HEALTHY PICKS COMMITTEE, UNITED STATES

Describes healthy food guidelines and implementation resources for hospital food venues, including patient menus, cafeterias, coffee carts, kiosks, vending and gift shops.

Healthy Workplace Food & Beverage Toolkit website

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION, UNITED STATES

Includes links to vending machine data collection tools and checklist for meetings and catered meals.

Healthy State Act (2012)

CENTER FOR THE SCIENCE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, UNITED STATES

Model bill to expand healthy choices for government employees and in government institutions.

Healthy food procurement and nutrition standards in public facilities: evidence synthesis and consensus policy recommendations

RAINE KD ET AL. HEALTH PROMOT CHRONIC DIS PREV CAN. 2018

Synthesis of evidence and consensus conference to inform further policy action on healthy food procurement in Canada.

Learning from Sustainable School Feeding in Brazil

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS, REGIONAL OFFICE FOR LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

Describes school feeding programs in Brazil. Scientific article on school nutrition programs: Sidaner E, Balaban D, et al. The Brazilian school feeding programme: an example of an integrated programme in support of food and nutrition security. Pub Health Nutr. 2013;16(6):989-94.

Impact of the Food-Labeling and Advertising Law Banning Competitive Food and Beverages in Chilean Public Schools, 2014–2016

MASSRI, ET AL. AM JOUR PUB HEALTH. 2019.

Reviews the impact of the national law banning sales of competitive food and beverages in schools, based on Chile’s Law of Food Labeling and Advertising. Results show that availability of foods exceeding cutoffs decreased from 90.4% in 2014 to 15.0% in 2016 after policy implementation.

Cardiovascular Health

Hypertension Control

Sodium Reduction

Trans Fat Elimination

Cardiovascular Health Resource Library
Find guidance, case studies, advocacy tools and more for large-scale heart health programs