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Trends of blood pressure control in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic

Nishant P Shah1, Robert M Clare2, Karen Chiswell2

  • 1Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC; Duke University School of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Durham, NC.

American Heart Journal
|December 13, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Blood pressure control worsened during COVID-19, with higher average systolic and diastolic readings observed. Despite increased home monitoring, hypertension became more uncontrolled, indicating a need for further research into pandemic effects on cardiovascular health.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Digital Health

Background:

  • COVID-19 significantly altered lifestyles and disrupted routine healthcare access.
  • The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood pressure (BP) control remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if home blood pressure control deteriorated across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To analyze trends in hypertension management and control during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based analysis of home BP data from 72,706 participants in a digital health hypertension program.
  • Comparison of BP readings (systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure) before (Jan 2019-Mar 2020) and during (Apr-Aug 2020) COVID-19.
  • Multivariable adjustments for demographic factors and classification of BP into risk groups (Stage 2, Uncontrolled, Severely Uncontrolled Hypertension).

Main Results:

  • During COVID-19, the mean monthly number of home BP readings increased significantly (7.3 to 9.3 per participant).
  • Participants exhibited higher adjusted mean systolic BP (131.6 vs 127.5 mmHg), diastolic BP (80.2 vs 79.2 mmHg), and MAP (97.4 vs 95.3 mmHg).
  • The proportion of participants with uncontrolled or severely uncontrolled hypertension rose from 15% to 19% and 4% to 5%, respectively.

Conclusions:

  • Mean monthly blood pressure modestly increased during COVID-19, despite greater use of home monitoring.
  • The findings suggest a worsening of hypertension control during the pandemic.
  • Further research is essential to understand the long-term cardiovascular health implications.
Abstract

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