Self-monitoring Of Blood Pressure Research Articles

Abstract P339: Association Between Self-monitored Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, And Anxiety Symptoms In A Digital Heart Health Self-management Program

Introduction: Anxiety is a risk factor for hypertension and other cardiovascular (CV) diseases, and this relationship may be mediated by direct biological effects and/or indirectly via behaviors. We aimed to study the association between change in blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and anxiety symptom severity among participants enrolled in a smartphone-based CV risk self-management program. Methods: We retrospectively studied participants with hypertension engaging with digital coaching focused on non-pharmacological lifestyle interventions, and who completed at least two generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) questionnaires between April 2020 and March 2023. Change in GAD-7 score was correlated with change in systolic BP, diastolic BP, and HR, controlling for age, gender, number of GAD-7 self-assessments, and initial GAD-7 score. Median BP and HR for the week of each GAD-7 self-assessment was used, and all change scores were converted to rate of change per day to control for variable time between scores. Results: A total of 5079 (age 58 ± 0.15y, 58% female) participants were included. Median days between GAD-7 scores was 148 (IQR 47-330). At baseline, mean GAD-7 was 7 (± 0.001), mean BP was 135/83 (± 0.28/0.18) mm Hg, and mean HR was 75 (± 0.22) bpm. Severe anxiety (GAD-7 > 14) was reported in 605 (12%) participants, and 34.3% were stage 2 hypertensive. By follow up, most of those with severe anxiety at baseline (430, 71%) showed reduced GAD-7 score (mean change = -4.5 ± 0.23). Both SBP (β = 0.03 ± 0.008, t = 3.6) and HR (β = 0.02 ± 0.009, t = 2.3) rate of change were associated with GAD-7 change such that the more participants reduced SBP or HR, the greater the reduction in anxiety symptoms. Initial GAD-7 scores were negatively associated with GAD change (β = -0.2 ± 0.016, t = -12.3). No other variable was statistically significant (all ps > 0.15). Conclusion: In a smartphone-based CV risk self-management program, reduction in systolic BP and HR is associated with improvement in anxiety symptoms, suggesting that digital coaching targeting CV risk factors has the potential to also improve mental health.

Long-Term Results of a Digital Hypertension Self-Management Program: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Digital health programs that incorporate frequent blood pressure (BP) self-monitoring and support for behavior change offer a scalable solution for hypertension management. We examined the impact of a digital hypertension self-management and lifestyle change support program on BP over 12 months. Data were analyzed from a retrospective observational cohort of commercially insured members (n=1117) that started the Omada for Hypertension program between January 1, 2019, and September 30, 2021. Paired t tests and linear regression were used to measure the changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) over 12 months overall and by SBP control status at baseline (≥130 mm Hg vs <130 mm Hg). Members were on average 50.9 years old, 50.8% (n=567) of them were female, 60.5% (n=675) of them were White, and 70.5% (n=788) of them had uncontrolled SBP at baseline (≥130 mm Hg). At 12 months, all members (including members with controlled and uncontrolled BP at baseline) and those with uncontrolled SBP at baseline experienced significant mean reductions in SBP (mean -4.8 mm Hg, 95% CI -5.6 to -4.0; -8.1 mm Hg, 95% CI -9.0 to -7.1, respectively; both P<.001). Members with uncontrolled SBP at baseline also had significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure (-4.7 mm Hg; 95% CI -5.3 to -4.1), weight (-6.5 lbs, 95% CI -7.7 to -5.3; 2.7% weight loss), and BMI (-1.1 kg/m2; 95% CI -1.3 to -0.9; all P<.001). Those with controlled SBP at baseline maintained within BP goal range. Additionally, 48% (418/860) of members with uncontrolled BP at baseline experienced enough change in BP to improve their BP category. This study provides real-world evidence that a comprehensive digital health program involving hypertension education, at-home BP monitoring, and behavior change coaching support was effective for self-managing hypertension over 12 months.

Self-care interventions for advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights – implementation considerations

Self-care refers to the ability of people to promote their own health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability, with or without the support of a health or care worker. Self-care interventions are tools that support self-care as additional options to facility-based care. Recognizing laypersons as active agents in their own health care, the World Health Organization (WHO)’s global normative guideline on self-care interventions recommends people-centred, holistic approaches to health and well-being for sexual and reproductive health and rights. Examples of such interventions include pregnancy self-testing, self-monitoring of blood glucose and/or blood pressure during pregnancy and self-administration of injectable contraception. Building on previous studies and aligning with the WHO classification for self-care, we discuss nine key implementation considerations: agency, information, availability, utilization, social support, accessibility, acceptability, affordability, and quality. The implementation considerations form the foundation of a model implementation framework that was developed using an ecological health systems approach to support sustainable changes in health care delivery.

Impact of home blood pressure monitors on self-monitoring and control of blood pressure in vulnerable adults.

To evaluate associations between home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) and blood pressure (BP) in vulnerable adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, when access to in-person care was restricted. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in adults with hypertension or elevated BP given a home BP monitor vs. usual care. Change in BP from baseline to follow-up was compared between groups, controlling for potential confounders. Subgroup analyses of BP outcomes were also assessed in patients age >50 years. There was no difference in SBP reduction between n = 82 HBPM patients (-11.7/-2.9 mmHg) and n = 280 usual care patients (-12.5/-5.8 mmHg; P > 0.05). Results were similar in multivariable analysis controlling for potential confounders [coefficient 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.98 to 4.87]. However, in the subgroup of patients aged>50 years, there was a significant association between SBP reduction and HBPM in the multivariable analyses (coefficient -7.2, 95% CI -13.8 to -0.62, P = 0.032). HBPM use was not associated with BP reduction in vulnerable adults overall during high telehealth use. An association between SBP reduction and HBPM was observed in those aged>50 years. Targeting limited HBPM resources to those aged >50 years old may have the most impact on BP.

Digitally Based Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program That Promotes Hypertension Self-Management and Health Education Among Patients With Low-Income: Usability Study.

According to evidence-based clinical guidelines, adults with hypertension are advised to self-monitor their blood pressure (BP) twice daily. Self-measured BP monitoring is a recommended strategy for improving hypertension management. We aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a digitally based BP self-monitoring program that promotes hypertension self-management and health education among low-income patients. We hypothesized that the program would be highly feasible and acceptable and that at least 50% of the patients would use the monitor at the rate required for the reimbursement of the device's cost (16 days of measurements in any 30-day period). Withings BPM Connect was deployed to patients at Family Health Centers of San Diego. Program elements included training, SMS text message reminders, and physician communication. Compliance, use, mean BP, and BP control status were calculated. A Kaplan-Meier time-to-event analysis was conducted to compare time to compliance between a strict definition (≥16 days in any rolling 30-day window) and a lenient definition (≥1 day per week for 4 consecutive weeks). A log-rank test was performed to determine whether the difference in time to compliance between the definitions was statistically significant. Mean systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) before the intervention and after the intervention and mean change in SBP and DBP across patients were calculated. Paired sample t tests (2-tailed) were performed to assess the changes in SBP and DBP from before to after the intervention. A total of 179 patients received the monitors. The mean changes in SBP and DBP from before to after the intervention were +2.62 (SE 1.26) mmHg and +3.31 (SE 0.71) mmHg, respectively. There was a statistically significant increase in both SBP and DBP after the intervention compared with before the intervention (P=.04 and P<.001). At the first and last measurements, 37.5% (63/168) and 48.8% (82/168) of the patients had controlled BP, respectively. During the observation period, 83.3% (140/168) of the patients had at least 1 controlled BP measurement. Use decreased over time, with 53.6% (90/168) of the patients using their monitor at week 2 and only 25% (42/168) at week 11. Although only 25.6% (43/168) achieved the strict definition of compliance, 42.3% (71/168) achieved the lenient definition of compliance. The median time to compliance was 130 days for the strict definition and 95 days for the lenient definition. The log-rank test showed a statistically significant difference in time to compliance between the compliance definitions (P<.001). Only 26.8% (45/168) complied with the measurement rate that would result in device cost reimbursement. Few patients used the monitors at a rate that would result in reimbursement, raising financial feasibility concerns. Plans for sustaining costs among low-income patients need to be further evaluated.

Preliminary Efficacy, Feasibility, and Perceived Usefulness of a Smartphone-Based Self-Management System With Personalized Goal Setting and Feedback to Increase Step Count Among Workers With High Blood Pressure: Before-and-After Study.

High blood pressure (BP) and physical inactivity are the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Mobile health is expected to support patients' self-management for improving cardiovascular health; the development of fully automated systems is necessary to minimize the workloads of health care providers. The objective of our study was to evaluate the preliminary efficacy, feasibility, and perceived usefulness of an intervention using a novel smartphone-based self-management system (DialBetes Step) in increasing steps per day among workers with high BP. On the basis of the Social Cognitive Theory, we developed personalized goal-setting and feedback functions and information delivery functions for increasing step count. Personalized goal setting and feedback consist of 4 components to support users' self-regulation and enhance their self-efficacy: goal setting for daily steps, positive feedback, action planning, and barrier identification and problem-solving. In the goal-setting component, users set their own step goals weekly in gradual increments based on the system's suggestion. We added these fully automated functions to an extant system with the function of self-monitoring daily step count, BP, body weight, blood glucose, exercise, and diet. We conducted a single-arm before-and-after study of workers with high BP who were willing to increase their physical activity. After an educational group session, participants used only the self-monitoring function for 2 weeks (baseline) and all functions of DialBetes Step for 24 weeks. We evaluated changes in steps per day, self-reported frequencies of self-regulation and self-management behavior, self-efficacy, and biomedical characteristics (home BP, BMI, visceral fat area, and glucose and lipid parameters) around week 6 (P1) of using the new functions and at the end of the intervention (P2). Participants rated the usefulness of the system using a paper-based questionnaire. We analyzed 30 participants (n=19, 63% male; mean age 52.9, SD 5.3 years); 1 (3%) participant dropped out of the intervention. The median percentage of step measurement was 97%. Compared with baseline (median 10,084 steps per day), steps per day significantly increased at P1 (median +1493 steps per day; P<.001), but the increase attenuated at P2 (median +1056 steps per day; P=.04). Frequencies of self-regulation and self-management behavior increased at P1 and P2. Goal-related self-efficacy tended to increase at P2 (median +5%; P=.05). Home BP substantially decreased only at P2. Of the other biomedical characteristics, BMI decreased significantly at P1 (P<.001) and P2 (P=.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly only at P1 (P<.001). DialBetes Step was rated as useful or moderately useful by 97% (28/29) of the participants. DialBetes Step intervention might be a feasible and useful way of increasing workers' step count for a short period and, consequently, improving their BP and BMI; self-efficacy-enhancing techniques of the system should be improved.

Effectiveness of peer mentoring and self-monitoring to improve blood pressure control in a vulnerable population in Argentina: Pragmatic randomized open-label controlled trial.

To evaluate the effectiveness of blood pressure (BP) self-monitoring and peer mentoring to improve the control of hypertension in clinical practice in primary care centers (PCCs) located in low-resource settings in Argentina. An individual randomized controlled trial was carried out to test two different approaches based on behavioral interventions in PCCs in Argentina. Hypertensive adults were randomly assigned to one of three arms: BP self-monitoring, peer mentoring, and usual care. The primary outcome was the change in BP values from baseline to the end of follow-up at 3 months. A qualitative approach of participants' experiences of the peer mentoring arm was also conducted. A total of 442 participants with hypertension were included in the study. Self-monitoring and peer mentoring interventions did not show a significant difference in BP control compared to usual care. However, this trial showed an improvement regarding antihypertensive medication adherence among those assigned to the peer mentoring intervention compared to the control at the end of follow-up (p = 0.031). Self-monitoring and peer mentoring interventions did not demonstrate to be effective in BP control compared to usual care. Implementing a peer support strategy was demonstrated to be feasible and effective in improving medication adherence in this population.

Interindividual Variability in Self-Monitoring of Blood Pressure Using Consumer-Purchased Wireless Devices.

Engagement with self-monitoring of blood pressure (BP) declines, on average, over time but may vary substantially by individual. We aimed to describe different 1-year patterns (groups) of self-monitoring of BP behaviors, identify predictors of those groups, and examine the association of self-monitoring of BP groups with BP levels over time. We analyzed device-recorded BP measurements collected by the Health eHeart Study-an ongoing prospective eCohort study-from participants with a wireless consumer-purchased device that transmitted date- and time-stamped BP data to the study through a full 12 months of observation starting from the first day they used the device. Participants received no instruction on device use. We applied clustering analysis to identify 1-year self-monitoring, of BP patterns. Participants had a mean age of 52 years and were male and White. Using clustering algorithms, we found that a model with three groups fit the data well: persistent daily use (9.1% of participants), persistent weekly use (21.2%), and sporadic use only (69.7%). Persistent daily use was more common among older participants who had higher Week 1 self-monitoring of BP frequency and was associated with lower BP levels than the persistent weekly use or sporadic use groups throughout the year. We identified three distinct self-monitoring of BP groups, with nearly 10% sustaining a daily use pattern associated with lower BP levels.

Pre-eclampsia in low and middle-income settings: What are the barriers to improving perinatal outcomes and evidence-based recommendations?

To discuss the points that still challenge low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and strategies that have been studied to help them overcome these issues. Narrative review addressing 20 years of articles concerning pre-eclampsia morbidity and mortality in LMICs. We summarized evidence-based strategies to overcome the challenges in order to reduce the pre-eclampsia impact on perinatal outcomes. Pre-eclampsia is the first or second leading cause in the ranking of avoidable causes of maternal death, and approximately 16% of all maternal deaths are attributable to eclampsia and pre-eclampsia. Considering the social and economic contexts, it represents a major public health concern, and prevention and early detection of pre-eclampsia seem to be a major challenge. Reducing maternal mortality related to hypertensive disturbances depends on public policies to manage these preventable conditions. Early and continuous recognition of signs of severity related to hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and childbirth, self-monitoring of symptoms and blood pressure, as well as preventive approaches such as aspirin and calcium, and magnesium sulfate, are lifesaving procedures that have not yet reached a universal scale. This review provides a vision of relevant points to support pregnant women in overcoming the constraints to healthcare access in LMICs, and strategies that can be applied in primary prenatal care units.

SELF-MONITORING OF BLOOD PRESSURE AND FEEDBACK USING APP IN TREATMENT OF UNCONTROLLED HYPERTENSION: SMART APP STUDY

Objective: Self-monitoring of blood pressure (SMBP) is a reliable method used to assess blood pressure (BP) accurately. However, patients do not often know how to respond to the measured BP value. We developed a mobile application-based feedback for tailored recommendations and aimed to evaluate whether this feedback is superior to SMBP alone in terms of BP reduction and drug compliance improvement in patients with hypertension. Design and method: Self-Monitoring of and Feed-back using APP in TReatment of UnconTrolled Blood Pressure (SMART-BP) is a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter trial to evaluate the efficacy of SMBP-App compared with SMBP alone. In the SMBP alone group, the patients performed home BP measurement and receive the standard care, whereas in the SMBP-App group, the patients received additional recommendations from the application using feedback algorithm in response to the obtained BP value. The primary endpoints were mean home BP and adherence of antihypertensive medication. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 12 and 24 weeks after randomization. Results: Among total 173 patients (88 for SBMP-app and 85 for SMBP alone) with full-analysis set, 53% were men, and the mean age was 59.8 years. Baseline characteristics including BP were not significantly different between two groups. At 6 months, mean reduction in home systolic BP was significantly higher in SMBP-App group than SBMP alone group (-20.0±13.5 vs. -14.9±12.9, = 0.012). Also, SMBP-app group showed higher drug adherence value and proportion of adherence over 95% than in SMBP alone group (95.2% vs. 90.4%, P = 0.004; 72/88 vs. 46/85, P = 0.010). Reduction in home systolic BP at 3 months and office systolic BP at 3 months were also higher in SBMP-App, similar with primary end point. Conclusions: SMBP-App is superior to SMBP alone in terms of blood pressure reduction and improved drug adherence in patients with hypertension.

WHITE COAT EFFECT DURING BLOOD PRESSURE SELF SCREENING: PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANTS IN THE FRENCH HYPERTENSION OBSERVATORY

Objective: To evaluate the frequency and determinants of the white coat effect in subjects performing a standardized self monitoring of blood pressure. Design and method: The French Hypertension Observatory is a non profit initiative set up by the Hypertension French Research Fundation to evaluate the cardiovascular risk of employees working in companies in France. During ‘prevention days’ organized in the company's premises between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., volunteer employees performed a self-test of their blood pressure using a validated automatic blood pressure monitor with arm cuff. Self unattended BP measurements were performed with 3 measures 1 minute apart. 4012 subjects were included. The difference between SBP 1 and 3 measurements were considered to define the white coat effect (WCE). Results: The prevalences of WCE (for at least 10 or 20 mmHg of WCE) when first measure indicates 140 for SBP are detailed in the table. Conclusions: The white coat effect is also observed in subjects who measure their blood pressure unattended. During a blood pressure self-screening testing, subjects aged less than 35 years, those with a BMI &lt; 20 or female participants more frequently present a white coat effect than other subjects.

ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION DOES NOT SLEEP

Objective: Sleep apnea is a secondary cause of hypertension and is suggested by non-dipper profile at ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). The prevalence is estimated between 30-50% in hypertensive patients. Design and method: A 60 year-old man with cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, dislipidemia, obesity, transient ischemic attack) presented to the outpatient clinic with high values of self-monitoring blood pressure despide multiple lowering blood pressure therapy. On physical examination his body mass index was 39.6 kg/m2, neck circumference 50 cm. The ECG was in sinus rhythm with hypertrophic phenotype confirmed by echocardiogram, which also showed left ventricle preserved ejection fraction, grade III diastolic dysfunction, mildly enlarged left atrium. Laboratory tests exluded endocrinologic and renal causes. Despite lifestyle changes and a good adherence to multiple associated antihypertensive treatment, ABPM revealed a non-dipper profile (dipping index 4.86%) (figure 1). The patient underwent the polygraphy test which showed the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 10.6, which led to a diagnosis of mild sleep apnea, the t90% of 57 pointed out severe hypoxia and high pulse variances 104 (figure 1). The further Holter monitoring revealed episodes of atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation. Results: After 3 months of continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) therapy, on top of the same antihypertensive drugs and anticoagulation, led to optimal blood pressure values and normal ABPM profile (figure 2). The polygraphy parameters AHI, t90% and pulse variances normalised too. (figure 1) Conclusions: Obstructive sleep apnea is a prevalent secondary cause of hypertension and atrial arythmias, still greatly underdiagnosed. It is associated with abdominal obesity, large neck, snoring, daytime fatigue and a decrease in the quality of life. Polygraphy is a feasible method for diagnose sleep apnea and monitoring the treatment. CPAP treatment abolishes apnea, normalises blood oxigenation thereby prevents arterial pressure surges, restoring the nocturnal ‘dipping’ pattern and normal sinus rythm.

Risk reduction intervention for raised blood pressure (REVERSE): protocol for a mixed-methods feasibility study

IntroductionAround 40% of adults have pre-hypertension (blood pressure between 120–139/80–89), meaning they are at increased risk of developing hypertension and other cardiovascular disease-related conditions. There are limited studies on the...

Rationale and design of the Heart-to-Heart study: A church-based intervention to reduce blood pressure in African Americans

Heart-to-Heart (H2H) is a church-based behavioral cluster randomized trial to measure the effectiveness of a lifestyle education program for reducing blood pressure (BP) in African American adults with uncontrolled BP. Design and implementation of this study were informed by our ALIVE pilot study conducted with church pastors and leaders using a community-based participatory research methodology. The current study employs a cross-over design in which all participants receive two 6-month programs in different orders: the intervention arm receives the H2H program first, followed by a financial education program, and the comparator arm receives the programs in the reverse order. Approximately 34 churches will be randomized with the aim of including at least 272 participants across churches. The H2H program consists of 24 weekly dietitian-led diet and lifestyle virtual education sessions, 12 Bible studies taught by the church pastor reinforcing positive dietary behaviors from a biblical perspective, daily self-monitoring of BP, and, as needed, one-on-one support from a community health worker to assist with medication adherence. The Money Smart program consists of 14 financial education sessions and 12 Bible studies teaching the biblical basis of good financial management over a 6-month period. The primary outcome measure is systolic BP at 6 months with a follow-up at 12 months. Secondary outcome measures include medication adherence, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet adherence, self-efficacy for hypertension self-care, social support for eating a healthy diet, hypertension and nutrition knowledge, beliefs about medicines, barriers to medication use, depression, and financial knowledge and behaviors.

Integrated solution for patients of a very high cardiovascular risk. Final results

Secondary prevention should be actively implemented at all stages of treatment and rehabilitation of patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The integration of remote monitoring of patients with the transfer of vital and laboratory data into clinical practice seems promising.Aim. To evaluate the clinical and patient-centered effectiveness of the original 12-month combined face-to-face and telecare program in patients with recent ACS.Material and methods. For the present analysis the data from 84 (out of 100) patients (median age, 56 (50;61) years, 70 males) was used. These patients had to have hypertension and/or type 2 diabetes and an ACS with percutaneous revascularization within 12 months. Their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) had to be above 2,4 mmol/L. Telehealth program supplemented routine care. A program contained electronic self-control diaries for blood pressure (BP) and lipid profile, and teleconsulting service (text chat). Mandatory face-to-face visits were carried out at 3 and 12 months after the enrollment. The primary end point was ∆LDL-C. Additional clinical and patient-specific endpoints were evaluated.Results. At the 12-month visit, there was a significant decrease in LDL-C by 1,6 (-2,3;-0,9) mmol/L. Besides the initial LDL-C value, the decrease in LDL-C was associated with the proper adherence to keeping diaries of BP and lipid profile (β=0,7), and the number of text messages sent by the doctor in the 1st month after the enrollment (β=0,04). In more adherent patients, the ∆LDL-C was greater by 0,49 mmol/L (95% CI (-1,2; -0,1)) after adjustment for abovementioned covariates. In 35 patients (42%), target LDL-C was achieved, in 60 patients (71%) — a decrease ≥1 mmol/l. Other lipids also have changed for the better. Moreover, adherent patients were twice as likely to achieve the target LDL-C (OR 2,2; 95% CI (0,6; 3,8)) than non-adherent ones. A decrease in office systolic BP by 5,8 mm Hg was shown (p=0,03). The number of physician-to-patient messages exceeded those from patients to physician (median 143 and 111 per patient for 12 months, respectively). The quality of life has improved, but only in terms of emotions. Satisfaction with the program remained high at all timepoints of the study.Conclusion. Our study showed the effectiveness of the integrated care in ACS patients with the telehealth tool included. Commitment to BP self-monitoring, as well as active consultative support at the first stages of rehabilitation, contributes to additional dynamic control of lipid profile, timely correction of lipid-lowering therapy with the achievement of the target LDL-C level. Most of the patients did not experience any difficulties in using the program and are ready to recommend integrated approach to other peers.

Improving Access to Home Blood Pressure Monitors at a Federally Qualified Health Center.

Background: Self-monitoring of blood pressure (BP) clinically decreases BP. However, cost can limit access, especially in underserved populations. Objective: This mixed-methods pilot study aims to determine the impact of providing home BP monitors free of charge to patients at a federally qualified health center (FQHC) by quantifying the effect on BP and surveying patients to measure satisfaction and engagement. Methods: One hundred eighty patients with clinically diagnosed hypertension received BP monitors. Patient charts were reviewed to collect demographics and office BP readings 3 months before and after receiving a monitor. A 13-question phone survey was conducted to a sample of patients addressing satisfaction and engagement. Answers were based on a Likert scale and dichotomous yes/no. Results were analyzed with descriptive statistics and paired t tests. Results: The chart review demonstrated a significant mean decrease in systolic BP by 5.44 mm Hg (P < 0.001, -8.03 to -2.84) and a mean decrease in diastolic BP by 2.70 mm Hg (P < 0.001, -4.08 to -1.32) after the intervention. For those included who responded to the survey (13%), there was a significant mean increase in the frequency of checking BP per week by 1.5 Likert points (P < 0.00001, -1.0 to -1.9), and a majority (57.8%) felt slightly or much more active in their health care in addition to other benefits. Conclusion: Providing BP monitors to FQHC patients free of charge may have contributed to a significantly decreased office BP, improved engagement, and satisfaction. This program removed cost barriers and allowed patients to be more active in their health care.

Qualitative evaluation of rapid implementation of remote blood pressure self-monitoring in pregnancy during Covid-19.

In March 2020, the World Health Organisation named the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (Sars-CoV-2), which causes corona virus disease 2019 (COVID -19), as a pandemic. Pregnant women were considered at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 after viral infection. In response maternity services reduced face-to-face consultations with high-risk pregnant women by supplying blood pressure monitors for supported self-monitoring. This paper explores the experiences of patients and clinicians of the rapid roll-out of supported self-monitoring programme in Scotland during the first and second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with high-risk women and healthcare professionals who were using supported self-monitoring of blood pressure (BP) In four case studies during the COVID-19 pandemic. 20 women, 15 midwives and 4 obstetricians took part in the interviews. Interviews with healthcare professionals showed that while implementation occurred at pace and at scale across the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland, implementation differed locally, resulting in mixed experiences. Study Participants observed several barriers and facilitators to implementation. Women value the simplicity of use and convenience of the digital communications platforms while health professionals were more interested in their impact on reducing workload for both women and health professionals largely found self-monitoring acceptable, with only a few exceptions. These results show that rapid change can occur in the NHS at a national level when there is a shared motivation. While self-monitoring is acceptable to most women, decisions regarding self-monitoring should be made jointly and on an individual basis.

Blood pressure self-monitoring practice and associated factors among adult hypertensive patients on follow-up at South Wollo Zone Public Hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia

BackgroundHypertension is a silent killer that causes serious health issues in all parts of the world. It is risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney disease. Self-monitoring practice has...

Abstract P165: Key Tenets for Lifestyle Programs Aiming to Improve Hypertension Control and Cardiovascular Health

Introduction: Promoting lifestyle changes, such as consuming a healthier diet, engaging in exercise, and quitting smoking can help control hypertension (HTN) and reduce the risk of adverse cardiac outcomes. To support public health practitioners and health care providers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP) sought to develop a set of key tenets of lifestyle programs that support successful implementation and impact on HTN-related outcomes. Hypothesis: No a priori hypotheses. Methods: We conducted rapid evaluations of three lifestyle programs identified first through a broad call for nominations and then a panel of experts for final selections. We also performed a literature review to assess the landscape of lifestyle programs focused on managing HTN. To build upon these findings, a rigorous mixed-methods evaluation of a local YMCA’s (St. Louis Gateway Region) implementation of a Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring (BPSM) program was conducted to describe program characteristics and innovations and assess HTN outcomes. Results: The evaluation of a local YMCA included 333 participants with HTN (2018-2020) and reported a statistically significant average reduction of 2.6 mmHg in SBP from baseline to 16-week follow-up. Based on comprehensive findings from the project, DHDSP identified the following four key tenets for an effective program: 1) Implementing programs in community settings provides an opportunity to offer programming where people are already gathering and can build trust and commitment. Findings from rapid evaluation of a program held at churches and other community locations demonstrated increased BP control rates from 66.2% to 71.5% at 12-week follow-up. 2) A team-based approach with clinical and non-clinical staff allows for more impactful and effective implementation. Evaluation results demonstrated completion of a program with trained lifestyle coaches was associated with a decrease of 7.3 mmHg in SBP and 5.7 mmHg in DBP over a 16-week period. 3) Programs with shorter durations (between 3-24 weeks) allow for those not able to commit to a longer program to still benefit from learning to control BP and reduce other risk factors. Findings from rapid evaluation of a three-week program resulted in increased BP control from 28.4% to 61.3% by end of program period. 4) Targeting multiple lifestyle behaviors provide the opportunity to closely match participant needs with the type of activities that work best for them. Rapid evaluation of a 12-week program focused on exercise, diet, and reducing stress demonstrated an increase in BP control from 76.9% to 82.2%. Conclusion: Findings can be used as a resource to link patients to effective BP control and management programs that have implemented these key tenets. Strategies highlighted may also provide considerations for replication in other communities.

Perspectives and Experiences of Self-monitoring of Blood Pressure Among Patients With Hypertension: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies.

Self-monitoring of blood pressure is a key strategy in managing hypertension but may be challenging and burdensome for patients. The aim of the study was to describe the perspectives and experiences of self-monitoring of blood pressure in patients with hypertension. MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched from database inception to March 2022. We used thematic synthesis to analyze the data. Thirty-five studies involving 872 patients aged 18-95 years were included. Four themes were identified: enabling autonomy and empowerment of own health (allowing access to comprehensive and accurate data, bolstering motivation for lifestyle changes, encouraging diligence in medication taking, gaining interest in self-management, and increasing awareness of health status); providing reassurance and convenience (instilling a sense of security, readiness for troubleshooting, and reducing the frequency of clinical appointments); triggering confusion and stress (anxiety and panic over "bad" numbers, constant reminder of illness identity, disregarded by clinicians, lack of confidence in interpreting and responding to results, redundancy of continuous monitoring, and uncertainties around targets and frequency of measures, concerns of unreliability); financial and operational burden of device (vulnerability preventing use, or unsustainable cost). Inadequate knowledge about the benefits of lowering blood pressure, home blood pressure monitoring, blood pressure goals, and interpretation of blood pressure values, limited access to home blood pressure monitoring devices, and psychological burden with home blood pressure monitoring limit home blood pressure monitoring.