Western New South Wales has the highest rate of hypertension in the country at 44% - 10% higher than the national rate. People living in Western New South Wales also experience greater barriers to care – they are the least likely to be able to see a GP when needed and have a regular GP.
The Hypertension Problem
High blood pressure is the leading preventable cause of death in Australia and the leading risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Of the 6.8 million adults living with hypertension in Australia, only 32% are treated and have their blood pressure controlled effectively.
About HEARTS
In response to the global burden of heart disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a set of effective, practical interventions to strengthen the detection and management of hypertension in primary care. The HEARTS technical package consists of six modules, providing an evidence-based clinical pathway and treatment protocol to detect, treat and control hypertension. HEARTS is designed to be highly adaptable and recognises the strengths, innovation and responsiveness of local health services. It has been successfully implemented in 40 countries, with consistent evidence of improved blood pressure control in diverse communities and settings.
Modules of the World Health Organization's HEARTS Technical Package
HEARTS: Technical package for cardiovascular disease management in primary health care: Risk-based CVD management
National Hypertension Taskforce
In Australia, the National Hypertension Taskforce was established in 2022 as a cross-sector collaboration to improve blood pressure control in Australia from 32% to 70% by 2030. The Taskforce recommends the WHO HEARTS technical package to ensure hypertension is treated effectively in primary care. The AUS HEARTS research project provides a valuable opportunity to implement and evaluate HEARTS in Australia and contribute to the global evidence base for effective blood pressure management.
AUS HEARTS Aim
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 New South Wales.
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, reflect the needs, resources, priorities and values of the local community and healthcare landscape.