New Study Compares Approaches to Control High Blood Pressure

Erica Spatz, MD, MHS

Yale School of Medicine

Hypertension is a prevalent condition in the U.S. that can lead to severe health complications, particularly among Black or Hispanic adults, as well as rural, uninsured, and low-income populations. Regular screening is crucial, as high blood pressure often presents no symptoms. Dr. Erica Spatz at Yale School of Medicine, along with Dr. Rafael Pérez-Escamilla, is spearheading the Pressure Check study to address disparities in blood pressure management, supported by a substantial PCORI funding award.

The study involves a partnership with community-based organizations (CBOs) across four diverse health sites. It aims to compare three strategies for blood pressure control: education and wireless monitoring with a referral to a primary care provider, the addition of biweekly telehealth support, and the integration of a community health worker to assist with social barriers to health.

To date, CBOs have screened nearly 2,000 individuals and enrolled over 330 in the study, which will monitor participants over 18 months to evaluate the most effective control method. The approach emphasizes community engagement and trust-building, acknowledging past research mistrust. The study uses cellular-enabled blood pressure cuffs provided by Stel, which allow secure data transfer without the need for smartphones or Wi-Fi, addressing technology barriers.

Participants also manually record their blood pressure readings to observe trends. The goal is to highlight the importance of controlling blood pressure by delivering care that meets individuals where they are. The study is embedded within Yale's Department of Internal Medicine, recognized for its excellence in integrating clinical care, research, and education. For more information, readers are encouraged to visit the Internal Medicine page of the Yale School of Medicine website.