Hypertension (HTN) is a leading cause of death globally and a major risk factor for
cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, accounting for about half of all CV and stroke related events. In 2019, the prevalence of HTN in Canada was among the lowest in the world for both men and women and our nation has long been known as an international leader in HTN care. Despite this positive global comparison, HTN detection, treatment and control show a declining trend in Canada, especially among women. HTN affects almost 1 in 4 Canadians, and the lifetime incidence of developing HTN is estimated to be 90%. As such, efforts to detect, treat, and control high blood pressure (BP) represent vital public health measures that can help prevent CV disease, stroke, disability, and premature death.
HTN can be effectively detected and treated at the community and/or primary care level, where the first step to better BP control begins with screening and HTN case finding. Community-based screening for high BP has been identified as a key strategy to address the global burden of disease, and to reduce the risk CV and stroke related complications associated with high blood pressure.
Our team has experience engaging community pharmacists in BP measurement and HTN screening. In 2022, we led a community pharmacy-based pilot project in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) for World Hypertension Day and screened nearly 500 participants in just one day. Then, in 2023 and 2024 we collaborated with the global MMM organization to collect data in three provinces, including NL, Alberta (AB) and British Columbia (BC). Our next step is to further expand this initiative and study the implementation of a community pharmacy-based BP screening program across
Canada.
