High blood pressure is one of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers are therefore continually looking for methods that can help patients keep their blood pressure under better control, according to HealthDay.
Digital support
A new study, published in the European Heart Journal – Digital Health, examined data from approximately 450,000 people with high blood pressure who received treatment between 2019 and 2022.
Among the participants, around 9,500 used a digital system that sent reminders to measure their blood pressure at home.
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The results were automatically forwarded to the patients’ doctors, allowing them to monitor progress and intervene when necessary.
Rapid improvement
The researchers found that participants experienced a reduction in blood pressure within the first three months.
The positive trend continued for more than a year.
People who measured their blood pressure at home and shared the results with their doctor through the digital system had a 34 percent lower risk of hospitalization or death due to heart attack, stroke, or heart failure compared with those who did not participate in the program.
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Ongoing monitoring
According to James Leiper, Director of Research at the British Heart Foundation, high blood pressure increases the risk of both heart attacks and strokes.
For this reason, ongoing monitoring is an important part of treatment.
The findings suggest that regular measurements and close follow-up can help patients maintain lower blood pressure levels over a longer period of time.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.