Control of blood pressure and risk attenuation

BACKGROUND: High blood pressure (BP) is the leading attributable risk for cardiovascular disease globally. There is little information on effective and sustainable public health system strategies for managing hypertension in South Asian countries. We conducted a feasibility study to gather preliminary data to optimize BP-lowering strategies for a public health intervention in rural communities in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. METHODS: A mixed method feasibility study comprised a 3-month pre and postevaluation of a multicomponent intervention (MCI), including BP screening and home health education by trained government community health worker (CHW); providers trained in hypertension management, and compensation of CHW for additional services. Checklists were used to document care. Stakeholder interviews were also conducted. Individuals aged 40 years and above…