New Delhi: Self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring is considered an effective way to reduce systolic blood pressure (SBP) – the pressure exerted by blood against artery walls when one’s heart beats. SBP is higher than diastolic blood pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries when one’s heart stays between beats.
A randomized clinical trial by researchers at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) has now concluded that when it comes to SMBP, a simple sphygmomanometer (an instrument for measuring blood pressure) is just as effective. A paired smartphone that is connected to the ‘advanced’ Bluetooth device.
Monitoring of blood pressure is important for anyone with a known history of high blood pressure because, unchecked, it can lead to cardiovascular events or stroke.
The researchers wrote, “We conducted a large simple practical randomized clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of two currently available strategies for the management of uncontrolled BP: SMBP using a standard device, or a connected smartphone application. using an advanced device with SMBP,” the researchers wrote. Reporting Findings in a peer-reviewed journal JAMA Internal Medicine Published Monday by the American Medical Association.
More than 2,100 participants enrolled in the study and, the report said, the sample was “large with representations of black and Hispanic/Latinx patients”. Half of the participants were mailed a basic cuff, while the rest received a Bluetooth-enabled device to monitor their blood pressure levels.
Its conclusion read: “Using clinic BP measurement from the EHR” [electronic health record] Data for follow-up, we found no difference in reduction in SBP; Both groups had an apparent reduction of approximately 11 mm Hg in their most recent office BP measurement from their baseline self-reported office SBP.
“We think this study is important because it provides practical real-world answers for doctors and patients,” said corresponding author and UCSF professor of epidemiology and biostatistics. Mark J. playcherMD, MPH.
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‘Cost problem with bluetooth devices’
After six months, patients receiving the basic cuff had lowered their blood pressure by 10.6 mmHg, and those using the smartphone app had lowered their blood pressure, according to BP measurements taken at doctor’s visits and recorded in electronic health records. was reduced to 10.8 mmHg. , UCSF a . written in Statement about testing.
In the report, the researchers noted that “devices that enhance standard SMBP with additional digital support from a paired and connected smartphone application are commercially available” and that this “use of the functionality by patients requires healthcare system investment”. No, and the devices are only slightly more expensive than standard SMBP devices”.
Describing how these work, the UCSF researchers write that these “devices transmit BP measurements via a wireless connection to the patient’s smartphone, where they can be tracked, visualized, interpreted, reminded (to measure BP and / or medications to take), recommendations (for lifestyle interventions, medication adherence, or to discuss your BP with your doctor), and communication (eg For example, emailing a summary to a family member or physician).
According to Pletcher, there’s not only a “cost issue” with Bluetooth devices, but, he said, “the time and effort it takes to connect them to a smartphone isn’t really trivial. As it turns out, none of that has to be done.” also to no avail. It seems that engagement and support from healthcare providers is important.”
For a person displaying the first signs of increased blood pressure, keeping a daily diary to monitor BP is often the key to deciding whether they need medication or just lifestyle modification.
(Edited by Amritansh Arora)
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