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Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: September 26, 2018
New perspectives for hypertension management: progress in methodological and technological developments
Gianfranco Parati1,2, Alexandra Goncalves3, David Soergel4
1Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Ospedale San Luca, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149 Milano, Italy.
Insights
Improving hypertension management requires a comprehensive strategy. Early screening, patient engagement through home monitoring, and optimized treatments are key to controlling high blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Hypertension is a leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), causing 20% of global deaths.
- Two-thirds of individuals with hypertension remain undiagnosed, untreated, or undertreated, highlighting a significant gap in care.
- Childhood elevated blood pressure predicts adult hypertension and CVD, emphasizing the need for lifelong screening and education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a multi-pronged approach for improving hypertension management across the lifespan.
- To highlight the role of early screening, patient engagement, and technological advancements in controlling blood pressure.
- To advocate for optimized use of existing strategies and novel healthcare system interventions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current hypertension management strategies, including lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and devices.
- Exploration of patient-centered approaches like home blood pressure monitoring and digital health tools.
- Discussion of strategies to overcome physician therapeutic inertia and improve adherence.
Main Results:
- Early screening and lifelong education programs are crucial for preventing adult hypertension and CVD.
- Home blood pressure monitoring and digital health technologies enhance patient engagement and blood pressure control.
- Optimizing pharmacotherapy through single-pill combinations and addressing physician inertia can improve treatment outcomes.
Conclusions:
- A multifaceted approach involving early detection, patient empowerment, optimized treatments, and digital health is essential for effective hypertension management.
- Healthcare system-level interventions and government policies promoting healthy lifestyles are vital for global cardiovascular risk reduction.
- Integrating advanced diagnostics and patient-centric strategies can significantly improve blood pressure control rates and mitigate the impact of hypertension.
Abstract:
Hypertension is the most common and preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), accounting for 20% of deaths worldwide. However, 2/3 of people with hypertension are undiagnosed, untreated, or under treated. A multi-pronged approach is needed to improve hypertension management. Elevated blood pressure (BP) in childhood is a predictor of hypertension and CVD in adulthood; therefore, screening and education programmes should start early and continue throughout the lifespan. Home BP monitoring can be used to engage patients and improve BP control rates. Progress in imaging technology allows for the detection of preclinical disease, which may help identify patients who are at greatest risk of CV events. There is a need to optimize the use of current BP control strategies including lifestyle modifications, antihypertensive agents, and devices. Reducing the complexity of pharmacological therapy using single-pill combinations can improve patient adherence and BP control and may reduce physician inertia. Other strategies that can improve patient adherence include education and reassurance to address misconceptions, engaging patients in management decisions, and using digital tools. Strategies to improve physician therapeutic inertia, such as reminders, education, physician-peer visits, and task-sharing may improve BP control rates. Digital health technologies, such as telemonitoring, wearables, and other mobile health platforms, are becoming frequently adopted tools in hypertension management, particularly those that have undergone regulatory approval. Finally, to fight the consequences of hypertension on a global scale, healthcare system approaches to cardiovascular risk factor management are needed. Government policies should promote routine BP screening, salt-, sugar-, and alcohol reduction programmes, encourage physical activity, and target obesity control.
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