Lower Blood Pressure in South Asia? Trial Evidence

This editorial evaluates a trial by Jafar et al. on managing hypertension in rural South Asia through a low-cost, multicomponent intervention. Conducted in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, the trial used community health workers to monitor blood pressure, offer health education, and support primary care with simplified treatment algorithms. After two years, systolic blood pressure was lowered by an average of 5.2 mm Hg compared to usual care. The editorial underscores the potential for broad cardiovascular benefits and cost-effectiveness in scaling such interventions. It also points out limitations related to participant sampling, medication reporting, and the clarity of some intervention components.

This editorial evaluates a trial by Jafar et al. on managing hypertension in rural South Asia through a low-cost, multicomponent intervention. Conducted in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, the trial used community health workers to monitor blood pressure, offer health education, and support primary care with simplified treatment algorithms. After two years, systolic blood pressure was lowered by an average of 5.2 mm Hg compared to usual care. The editorial underscores the potential for broad cardiovascular benefits and cost-effectiveness in scaling such interventions. It also points out limitations related to participant sampling, medication reporting, and the clarity of some intervention components.