Kingston, Jamaica, May 17, 2024 (PAHO) – In Bermuda, hypertension is a leading non-communicable disease affecting a significant portion of the population. The last STEPS survey conducted in 2014 revealed that 33.4% of the population had raised blood pressures (Systolic Blood Pressure ≥ 140 and/or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg) or were currently on medication for raised blood pressures. Recognizing the urgent need to address this health challenge, Bermuda has wholeheartedly embraced the implementation of the HEARTS initiative to transform cardiovascular disease management across the island.
The HEARTS initiative is part of a broader vision for healthcare in Bermuda that prioritizes equitable access to essential services of high quality, all while ensuring affordability and accessibility. This initiative has introduced algorithmic protocols specifically tailored for managing hypertension, seamlessly integrating them into public sector healthcare services. With these medications being available free of cost for the uninsured or underinsured, this integration marks a significant step forward in achieving more efficient and effective treatment for hypertensive individuals.
With approximately 35% of Bermuda's population encountering barriers to accessing quality healthcare, especially those at risk of chronic non-communicable diseases, the HEARTS initiative has proven transformative.
Since its launch over a year ago, HEARTS has played a pivotal role in identifying many individuals who had uncontrolled blood pressures and have now achieved control through better management of their condition, leading to improved health outcomes across the island. In addition, the hypertension registry has grown significantly from 26 to 85 clients and the hypertension control rate has almost doubled to 36% at the Hamilton Health Centre.
In implementing HEARTS in Bermuda, PAHO collaborated on the development of standardized clinical pathways, strengthening monitoring and evaluation practices for non-communicable diseases, promoting team-based care, and supporting accuracy in blood pressure measurements.
The success of the HEARTS initiative underscores a collective commitment to enhance healthcare accessibility and management for those with hypertension in Bermuda. It reflects ongoing dedication to advancing the health and well-being of Bermudians through innovative and proactive approaches to cardiovascular disease prevention and control in its quest to achieve universal health coverage.
