A new article in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas unveils the HEARTS Quality Framework, a practical blueprint to help countries dramatically reduce high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk through primary health care.
Developed by the Pan American Health Organization, ministries of health throughout the region, and international experts and researchers, the HEARTS Quality Framework centers around the ambitious goal 50% population-level blood pressure control—which would prevent an estimated 400,000 deaths by 2030. Facilities can achieve this goal by tracking the clear indicators implementation targets outlined in the framework.
The article also showcases real-world gains when the framework is followed. HEARTS in the Americas now spans 33 countries, 10,000+ primary care facilities, and 6.3 million patients, with more than 60% with their blood pressure under control.
The message is clear: with standardized pathways, reliable medicines, and quality improvement tools, primary health care can deliver life-saving results at scale. PAHO and their partners urge wider adoption of the HEARTS Quality Framework to accelerate progress.
