Arterial hypertension treatment changes in Yaroslavl region: results obtained after 4 years of complex program of regional healthcare system’s improvement implementation

Abstract

Program’s aim. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates in Russia are among the highest in Europe. The aim of this work was to implement a complex healthcare system improvement program in Russia’s Yaroslavl region, dedicated to increasing arterial hypertension treatment efficacy and prevent complications of arterial hypertension. Materials and methods. The program was developed by a group of healthcare professionals of the Department of Healthcare and Pharmacy of Yaroslavl region together with Novartis Pharma Company’s technical advice within the framework of a private-public partnership. The program consisted of several actions aiming to raise the healthcare system’s attention to hypertension. Achievement of target blood pressure (BP) control by every patient seen by physicians of the Yaroslavl region healthcare system became the main goal and leading criteria for assessing hypertension treatment efficacy. Additionally, significant effort was put into patient education on self-control of BP levels and importance of achieving target BP levels in accordance with Russian national clinical guidelines and on adherence to treatment. Within 4 years, program efficacy was evaluated and reinforced by conducting annual cross-sectional questionnaire-based epidemiological studies. Analysis was performed in a representative sample of patients that evaluated BP control level, mean BP levels, systolic BP level distribution by grades, as well as cardiovascular risk factors and concomitant diseases presence and current antihypertensive therapy. In addition, analysis of official statistics on disease incidence and drug sales databases were performed. Results. From 2011 to 2014 BP control level increased significantly: 17% of patients had BP<140/90 mm Hg in 2011, 23% in 2012, 32% in 2013 and 33% in 2014. In the same time mean BP level reduced from 151/90 to 145/86 mm Hg and share of patients with systolic BP≥180 mm Hg decreased from 10% to 5%. Stroke incidence declined by 20% (from 4,6 to 3,7 per 1000 adult population in 2011 and 2014 respectively) and antihypertensive drug utilization increased by 16% (2014 vs. 2011). Conclusion. A healthcare system improvement program aiming to increase hypertension treatment efficacy resulted in significant improvement in BP control level and substantial decrease in stroke incidence. Continuous improvement is necessary to increase BP control level further resulting in reduction of cardio-vascular mortality and morbidity in the region. Nationwide system for hypertension drug provision could be an instrument of further improvement.

Keywords

• hypertension
• blood pressure control level
• russian guidelines