Discover the SQHA: Advancing Hypertension Care in Quebec
About the SQHA
The Société québécoise d’hypertension artérielle (SQHA), founded in 1992, is an organization that brings together researchers and health professionals across Quebec. Its mission is to advance knowledge, foster clinical expertise, and educate the public about hypertension and its risk factors. Over the past 30 years, health professionals from various backgrounds have contributed to SQHA’s dynamic evolution, making it a reference in cardiovascular health.
Mission and Vision
SQHA is dedicated to the prevention and management of hypertension, knowledge transfer, and research discovery. It supports interdisciplinary collaboration among nurses, doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists, kinesiologists, psychologists, and students to improve patient care and public education regarding hypertension.
New Guidelines and Updates
In June 2025, Hypertension Canada will implement new guidelines for diagnosing and treating adult hypertension in primary care. The updated definition for hypertension in adults is now a blood pressure equal to or greater than 130/80 mm Hg. Over the next weeks, SQHA will update its adult care section in line with these changes.
Care for Different Patient Groups
- Adults with Hypertension: Effective chronic disease management requires a team approach, involving both healthcare professionals and patients' families for optimal outcomes.
- Pregnant Women: Hypertension affects 7% of pregnancies in Canada, making efficient management crucial for mother and child health.
- Children and Adolescents: Between 2% and 5% of children experience hypertension, which is often undiagnosed. Early detection is essential to prevent long-term complications.
Professional Training and Scientific Activities
SQHA offers online accredited education for health professionals to deepen their knowledge of hypertension. Annual events include clinical training days and scientific meetings where healthcare providers and researchers discuss latest findings and therapeutic approaches.
Award Programs and Research
The SQHA fosters research through various grants, fellowships, and awards for researchers and clinicians making significant contributions to the field. Highlights and major studies are shared regularly to keep the community informed of advances in hypertension science.
Patient Resources and Public Education
Educational materials, guides for home blood pressure measurement, nutrition, and patient-friendly brochures are available. These resources aim to empower patients and facilitate collaboration between clinicians and those living with hypertension.
Acknowledgments and Partnerships
Thanks to its many local and national partners, including pro bono contributions from legal advisors and the dedication of its founders and members, the SQHA continues to thrive. Their collaborative spirit ensures ongoing innovation in hypertension research, education, and clinical care.
Looking Ahead
With over three decades of leadership, the SQHA remains committed to its core mission: improving the health and lives of Quebecers living with hypertension through research, education, training, and multidisciplinary support.