The Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Ave has been integrated into the European Society of Hypertension's excellence network, an international distinction that recognizes the quality of the work developed in the area of arterial hypertension and cardiometabolic risk. This integration results from the recertification of the institution's European Centre of Excellence in Hypertension and Cardiometabolic Risk, with six Affiliated Units also being admitted as Blood Pressure Associated Clinics.
According to ULS do Alto Ave, this is the first structure of its kind recognized in Portugal by the European Society of Hypertension, constituting an important milestone for the institution, its professionals, and its users.
Arterial hypertension and cardiometabolic risk are associated with some of the main causes of disease and mortality, including strokes, heart attacks, chronic kidney disease, and dementia. Integration into the European network represents the recognition of an integrated, differentiated, and evidence-based approach to the prevention and treatment of these pathologies.
The institution has already promoted a working meeting with the six Family Health Units that are part of the project, with a view to defining and consolidating strategies for this new stage.
