Extra Support Helps Patients Manage High Blood Pressure

Uncontrolled hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the leading cause of death in the U.S. It develops when the force of the blood pushing against the walls of arteries becomes too high. This puts more pressure on the heart and arteries, which puts you at risk for heart disease.

Hypertension is more common in low-income populations. Studies have found that people are better at lowering their blood pressure when they have more medical support. But low-income patients are often treated in places with less health care resources.

An NIH-funded research team looked at whether providing additional medical support to low-income patients with hypertension could help them lower their blood pressure. The team enrolled 1,200 participants. About half received standard care. The other half received standard care along with additional provider support. They met with healthcare providers more often and received care from multiple types of providers.

The patients who received extra care were better able to lower their blood pressure. The additional support helped them more closely follow their personal wellness plans.

“This trial showed that a team-based approach to supporting and treating patients with uncontrolled blood pressure in low-income rural and urban areas can effectively lower high blood pressure,” says Dr. Katherine Mills of Tulane University, who led the study.