Hypertension control applying the HEARTS in the Americas protocol in Trinidad: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the prevalence of hypertension control and its associated risk factors among adult patients using the HEARTS in the Americas treatment protocol. Methods. A cross-sectional, interviewer-administered survey was conducted among adult hypertensive patients in North-Central Trinidad over a four-month period. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and factors associated with hypertension control – alcohol use, smoking status, physical activity, nutrition, and treatment adherence – were assessed. Results. Data from 287 respondents (M 107, F 180) were analyzed, with a response rate of 89.7%. The overall proportion of patients with optimally controlled blood pressure was 52.3% (95% CI [46.5, 58.0]), with a systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mean ± SD) of 139.6 ± 18.1 mmHg and 81.9 ± 10.6 mmHg, respectively; 54% of participants were on Step 1 of the HEARTS protocol ( n = 155). Blood pressure control was associated with incomes of greater than TTD 10 000 per month (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.536; 95% CI [1.255, 9.957]; p = 0.017). Being overweight (aOR 0.459; 95% CI [0.229, 0.920]; p = 0.028) was associated with lower odds of having optimally controlled blood pressure. Conclusions. In North-Central Trinidad, over half of hypertensive patients achieved optimal blood pressure control under the HEARTS in the Americas protocol, the highest rate reported locally. Continued efforts should focus on strengthening adherence and monitoring to sustain and enhance hypertension control outcomes.