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Success Story
Earlier diagnostics helps
save human lives
New Methods Keep Cardiovascular Disease at Bay
Photo: AbtAssociates
Dr. Serik Shuakbaev (standing) trains
other doctors to measure blood pressure
during a seminar on hypertension Clinical
Practice Guidelines.
USAID is working to reduce
cardiovascular disease
through the introduction of
evidence-based guidance
on the diagnostics and
treatment of the disease.
Twenty-five to thirty percent of adults worldwide are estimated
to be affected by hypertension, a “silent killer” that is frequently
asymptomatic until a heart attack or stroke occurs. In
Kazakhstan, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of
death in adults. To reverse this alarming trend, USAID has been
collaborating with health departments, state institutes, and other
organizations.
To improve the diagnosis and treatment of this important
disease at the primary health care level, a USAID project
began piloting the use of a new clinical practice guideline on
hypertension in six outpatient facilities in the city of Karaganda.
The first priority was to train doctors in the standards set forth in
the clinical practice guideline, which provides comprehensive,
evidence-based instructions on how to diagnose and treat
hyper-tension.
A total of 439 doctors and 61 nurses have participated in the
hypertension training module since the pilot in Karaganda
began. The new techniques include the use of the Health
Information System data and monthly patient chart reviews that
facilitate the detection of hypertension among patients.
“By implementing the clinical practice guideline, we have greatly
improved the quality of care we provide to our clients,” said Dr.
Serik Shuakbaev, one of the specialists trained on hypertension
diagnostics and treatment through the USAID project. “We have
also trained nurses and strengthened their ability to measure
blood pressure for all adults who come to the facility.”
Today 81 percent of patients in USAID-supported health
facilities in Kazakhstan receive blood pressure measurements
at least once per year. The pilot facilities also educate patients
about their disease and the necessary changes in lifestyle
to keep the blood pressure from rising beyond normal limits.
By making informed decisions about diet and exercise and
consistently adhering to the medical treatment prescribed by
their doctor, patients can be healthy for life.
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