1 in 4 adults in NYC is affected by high blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Control, Starting at Home
Background
In NYC, Blacks and Latinos have disproportionately high rates of hypertension (high blood pressure), one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke. In the U.S., among those with hypertension, Blacks and Latinos are less likely to have their blood pressure controlled compared to others, putting them at increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Self-blood pressure monitoring, an effective and low-cost self-management tool, has significant potential to improve blood pressure control and reduce health disparities in New York City and across the country.
Grant funding is currently supporting a unique multi-site, community heath center-based study to assess the effectiveness of self-blood pressure monitoring in low-income New York City communities. It is anticipated that this studys' findings will inform clinical recommendations and advance practical solutions to address health disparities.
Novel use of electronic health record to support research
A unique feature of this study is the use of a NYC Health Department-supported electronic health record system. This system automatically determines patient eligibility, randomizes individuals into control and intervention groups, and tracks participant progress. This minimizes the need for research staff, making the implementation of randomized clinical trials feasible in the community health center setting.
Dissemination and Sustainability
Study results and recommendations based on these findings will be disseminated through government (local, state and national), not-for-profit partner networks and NYC healthcare clinics. Also, patient education materials, developed in consultation with DOHMH health literacy and communications professionals, will be made available.
These new findings will add to the body of knowledge on the value of self-blood pressure monitoring and best practices for its use, and can inform insurer coverage decisions for home blood pressure monitors. Self blood pressure monitoring has the potential not only to save individual lives, but to bridge gaps in health disparities by creating population-level solutions to challenging health problems. For more information on controlling hypertension and managing cardiovascular disease, please visit the NYC Health Department's website.