AUS HEARTS
An evidence-based approach to improving blood pressure management in regional, rural and remote Australia.
High blood pressure is the leading preventable cause of death in Australia. Of the 7.2 million adults living with hypertension, less than 40% have their blood pressure effectively controlled. The challenge is greater in rural communities, where people are more likely to have hypertension (1) and less likely to be able to see a GP when needed (2).
Adapting a proven global model for local needs
About AUS HEARTS
AUS HEARTS is an ambitious 5-year study working with key stakeholders to improve hypertension care in rural primary healthcare.
It builds on the World Health Organisation’s HEARTS technical package, a globally proven, evidence-based approach to detect, treat and control hypertension. HEARTS is designed for resource-limited settings, and has been implemented in over 40 countries, with consistent improvements in blood pressure control across diverse communities and settings (3).
AUS HEARTS is adapting, implementing and evaluating the WHO’s HEARTS approach for the unique context of rural, regional and remote Australia.
AUS HEARTS Partners
Plus the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
NSW Health is represented by the Far West Local Health District and the Western NSW Local Health District
Aims of AUS HEARTS research project
The overarching aim of the research project is to adapt, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of WHO HEARTS to improve the early detection and effective management of hypertension in regional, rural and remote Australia.
This research program will provide evidence on the effectiveness, scalability and sustainability of HEARTS in rural, regional and remote Australia, to improve blood pressure control and prevent future cardiovascular events and death.
AUS HEARTS has a strong equity focus to ensure that all stages of the project, including planning, development, implementation and evaluation, reflects the needs, resources, priorities and values of the local community and healthcare landscape.
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- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Hypertension in Australia. 15 May 2026 https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/risk-factors/hypertension/contents/about
- ABS. 4343.0.55.001. Coordination of Health Care Study, 2015-16. Accessed July 2024.
- World Stroke Organisation, Advancing Cardiovascular Health: WHO’s HEARTS Technical Package Implementation GSA 2023, Uruguay Update. 06 Dec 2023 https://www.world-stroke.org/news-and-blog/news/advancing-cardiovascular-health-whos-hearts-technical-package-implementation-gsa-2023-uruguay-update