The Long-Term Blood Pressure Trends Following a Remote Hypertension Intervention: A Secondary Analysis of the Digital Care Transformation - Remotely Delivered Hypertension Management Program.

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor, yet traditional care often results in suboptimal blood pressure (BP) control at the population level. We implemented a remote hypertension management program that monitored home BP and titrated medications per algorithm. This study assessed the program's long-term effects by examining participants' office BP up to 42 months post-enrollment.

Methods: Participants of the remote hypertension program were categorized into 4 groups: (1) enrolled-maintenance (achieved goal home BP of ≤130/80 mm Hg), (2) enrolled-early exit (left before achieving goal BP), (3) education-only (lifestyle modifications and medications compliance), and (4) white coat hypertension group (high office BP but normal home BP). Office BP readings of participants were collected up to 42 months post-enrollment. A linear mixed-effects regression model estimated mean BP levels and studied factors associated with above-goal systolic BP in the maintenance group.

Results: Office BP readings from 3601 participants (mean age, 61±11 years; 57% female; 60% white; 52% atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) were extracted from electronic health records and analyzed. All groups sustained office BP below their qualifying values (P<0.001) over 42 months. In the maintenance group, 89.7% of participants maintained systolic BP at goal, compared with 63.5% in the early exit group, 69.4% in the education-only group, and 90.7% in the white coat hypertension group. Age >50 years was associated with above-goal systolic BP in the maintenance group.

Conclusions: Participants who achieved BP control through the remote hypertension program maintained goal systolic BP in 90% of cases up to 42 months post-enrollment. These findings highlight the long-term benefits of remote, intensive management programs for effective hypertension control.