SELF-ASSESSMENT OF VITAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19: BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS RESULTS FROM THE HYTECC STUDY

Abstract

Objective: Little is known about the impact of a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test and self-isolation at home on blood pressure (BP) values. Moreover, the association between BP values and COVID-19 symptoms is poorly described. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a remote initiation of home health surveillance, including home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM), carried out by confined hypertensive adults diagnosed with COVID-19. Design and method: Individuals included in the study were between 40 and 69 years old with a known diagnosis of hypertension and a recent positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. After initial phone contact, each participant received at home the equipment needed for vital signs assessment, including a LifeSourceâ UA-651BLE BP monitoring device and access to a web-based platform. The Sphygmoâ mobile app was used by the participants for the electronic transmission of results. Participants had to assess their symptoms and complete vital signs including two BP measurements, twice a day, for 14 consecutive days. Abnormally low BP was defined as a systolic BP < 100 mm Hg. Written guidance was provided to participants on the correct method to perform the various vital signs measurements and data collection. Correlation test was calculated between the proportions of abnormal values of vital signs and severe symptoms. Results: A total of 46 participants completed the study. The mean age was 54.1 ± 6.9 years and 54% of participants were men. On average, participants performed 54 BP measurements, 12.3 days of measurements, and 4.4 BP measurements per day. 30.4% (n = 14) of participants had at least 1 systolic BP measurement that was abnormally low (mean of 2.5 abnormally low systolic BP, range 1 to 6). Abnormally low systolic BP was not significantly correlated with the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Conclusions: In a pandemic context, among hypertensive participants with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, the remote initiation of HBPM with electronic transmission of results is feasible. Moreover, participants were able to perform nearly fourteen days of BP measurements including self-assessment of symptoms, twice a day, and transmit their data using a mobile app and a web-based platform.