Are Cypriot community pharmacists ready to offer hypertension screening interventions? A pilot study

Abstract

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Europe. One of the most essential CVD risk factors is uncontrolled hypertension (HP), thus the management of HP can lead to lower CVD risk. Pharmacists (PHS) can actively contribute to various public health functions such as prevention and early detection of individuals with increased blood pressure (BP). This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a pharmacy-led HP screening programme in Cyprus. Methods The study was conducted in one community pharmacy in Nicosia. The sample (n = 87) was randomly selected. Inclusion criteria were adults, without any CVD, diabetes or hypercholesterolemia in addition to pregnant women. BP measurements of the participants (PS) were taken. PS whose BP reading was high-normal were advised to measure their BP regularly, those whose BP reading was 140-159/90-99 mmHg were offered a home BP monitoring (HBPM) to confirm the diagnosis of HP and those whose BP reading was higher than 160/100 mmHg were referred to a cardiologist. Results 68 PS (78%) had normal BP, 14 PS (16%) were detected with high normal BP while 5 (6%) were identified with a BP reading higher than 140/90mmHg. 2 PS were diagnosed with HP grade 2 after PHS’s referral to a cardiologist while 2 PS were diagnosed with HP grade 1 after the HBPM. An estimation of a CVD risk conducted indicated that 84% (n = 73) of the sample appeared to have no risk at all, 12% (n = 10) had low risk, 3% (n = 3) had a moderate risk and 2% (n = 1) showed moderate to high risk. Conclusions The fact that 4 PS were diagnosed with HP and 14 more were given lifestyle advice can indicate Cypriot PHS’ potential contribution to the prevention and early diagnosis of HP. As the sample was small and the results may not be generalised, similar programmes should be conducted with a higher number of PHS and PS in different cities in Cyprus to identify replication of the results. Key messages Cypriot pharmacists have the potential to screen individuals with high blood pressure. Pharmacists’ intervention can lead to early diagnosis of hypertension.