Hypertension Telemonitoring Study

The study will enroll 100 patients with hypertension and provide them with HBPT and PCP for six months. The primary outcomes will be changes in hypertension control rate and drug adherence. Secondary outcomes will include patient and healthcare worker satisfaction.

Evaluation of an Electrocardiogram Based Artificial intelligence Algorithm

Detection of LVSD during the early and asymptomatic stages remains a major challenge. Whereas echocardiography can confirm the diagnosis, this imaging modality is not readily available in many resource-limited settings. Use of more readily available modalities to identify patients at high risk for LVSD can help in fast-tracking its confirmation with timely initiation of appropriate treatment.

Electrocardiography (ECG) based Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms have been validated to identify patients at high risk for LVSD in many populations tested. No such validation has ever been conducted.

Our objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of an ECG-based AI algorithm in predicting Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) in a Kenyan population mainly in public hospitals.

Moreover, our expected Impact: The study aims to determine the feasibility of using ECG-based AI for early identification of patients at high risk for LVSD, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment in resource-limited settings.

Cvd Guidelines Dissemination, Hypertension And Diabetes Data Management- WHF Funded Project

Following our initial phase,  where we worked with five counties namely Nyandarua, Kisumu, Kitui, Isiolo and Nakuru county on the dissemination of the National Cardiovascular guidelines.

WHF continued to fund the project to support 4 more counties: Kirinyaga, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kilifi and Marsabit. This was to ensure we reach out to more healthcare workers on the improvement and standerdized way of overall management of CVD in Kenya. This involved Health Record and Information Officer training on hypertension and diabetes data management as well as data audits.

Interspire and Interspire and LP(A)

The INTERASPIRE survey involved data collection in selected public hospitals in specific regions in each country. A consecutive sample of patients (>18 years and < 80 years) admitted with CHD was identified retrospectively. While interspire LP(a) study aimed to recognize CVD risks to assess patients' and physicians' knowledge and attitudes towards measuring and managing Lp(a) levels. It investigates patients' knowledge about cardiovascular risk, the role of Lp(a), and their willingness to change behavior. For physicians, the study will assess their knowledge, opinions on testing, and interest in forthcoming Lp(a)-lowering therapies.

Cardiovascular Disease guideline dissemination in 5 counties in Kenya.

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of death globally with more people dying annually from CVDs than from any other cause. In Kenya, it is estimated that 25% of hospital admissions are due to CVD.

In response to this, the Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with other stakeholders spearheaded the development of National Guidelines for the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases to provide a standardized way of managing cardiovascular diseases in the country.

These guidelines were launched on 31st May 2018. It is critical that these guidelines are disseminated across all counties and health facilities to ensure we improve overall management of CVD in Kenya.

Kenya Cardiac Society (KCS) has received funding from World Heart Federation (WHF) to support the MOH to disseminates these guidelines in 5 counties for the period April 2019 – March 2020. Nyandarua, Kisumu, Kitui, Isiolo and Nakuru counties have been nominated to participate in this project.

Overiew of the planned activities.

  • National level stakeholder’s cardiovascular disease (CVD) guideline dissemination forum The meeting was held on 14st March 2019, 8am at crown plaza, Nairobi. Thank you for making time to attend the meeting.
  • 5-day residential Trainers of Trainees (TOT) workshop to be held in Nairobi, Double Tree Hotel, 19th– 21st June 2019. The project will cover all logistical expenses.
  • 2-day county-level dissemination seminars. Targeting health providers from health facilities across the county (September – October 2019)
  • Facility level continuous medical education (CME) sessions(October 2019– February 2020)
  • Distribution of copies of CVD guideline (handbooks and manuals)
  • Evaluation of project outcomes (baseline and end line assessments)