Digital Patient Communication is the New Best Practice

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects over half of all individuals in the United States, costing the country an estimated $131 billion every year. Controlling hypertension is a healthcare and community imperative because of its human and economic costs. According to the CDC, people with hypertension have a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 130 mmHg, a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 80 mmHg, or take medication to treat the illness.

Hypertension, if left untreated or uncontrolled, can result in heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, kidney disease or failure, peripheral artery disease, vision loss, and sexual dysfunction – complications that have a significant impact on a Patient morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, as well as healthcare costs. Despite the looming health and financial consequences of hypertension, the United States’ healthcare system has been sluggish to incorporate new recommendations on revolutionary ways to its diagnosis and management.

Let us, however, choose innovation in healthcare technology when it comes to caring for our hearts this February, in honour of American Heart Month – especially, digital Patient communication. Controlling blood pressure is the most effective strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk, and understanding the most effective and accessible way to help hypertensive Patient maintain their blood pressure is an important element of care delivery.

While home-based blood pressure monitors (HBPM) are available for the diagnosis and management of hypertension, they have yet to be broadly embraced or integrated by physicians and Patient. A recent pilot study evaluated integrated digital Patient communication and at-home monitoring.