# data[].attributes.body
A health-related issue that has benefited from using information and communication technologies is hypertension. Information technology refers to the use of hardware, software, services, and infrastructure to handle and share information through various means such as voice, data, and video. It encompasses technologies from computing, electronics, and telecommunications that process and distribute information in digital and other formats (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022, p. 644). Communication technology is the use of technology, such as social media, to process and communicate information. It can include email, texting, instant messaging, social networking, tweeting, blogging, or video conferencing.

Hypertension (HTN) is currently defined as having a systolic blood pressure of 130 mm Hg or higher, and/or a diastolic blood pressure above 80 mm Hg. It is one of the most common chronic conditions, characterized by consistently high arterial pressure. HTN has been extensively studied due to its significant role as a risk factor for serious health issues such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney disease (Iqbal & Jamal, 2023). HTN is a widespread chronic condition often managed in primary care that has greatly benefited from information and communication technologies (ICTs).

# data[].attributes.body
ICTs have significantly enhanced the management of hypertension within primary care. One essential tool is the Electronic Health Record (EHR), which helps providers monitor patients' blood pressure patterns, medication use, test results, and lifestyle changes over time. This centralized data enables healthcare professionals to assess how well treatments are working and make informed, evidence-based decisions (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). Communication technologies play an important role in improving patient involvement and the delivery of care. Remote patient monitoring allows patients to measure their blood pressure at home using Bluetooth-enabled devices that send data directly to their healthcare providers. This real-time monitoring makes it possible to identify high readings early and adjust treatment as needed (The American Journal of Managed Care, 2023). Telehealth services provide virtual appointments that help patients in remote or underserved communities receive care without the need for travel (National Institutes of Health, 2023). Additionally, mobile health apps, like MyChart, help users log blood pressure readings, get medication reminders, and communicate privately with their care teams. Text messaging systems are also used to send reminders, health advice, and medication prompts, which is especially useful for individuals with limited internet access (UC Davis Health, 2025). These ICT tools promote a more proactive, accessible, and patient-centered model of hypertension care in the primary care setting.

# data[].attributes.body
‌ Communication technology greatly enhances how hypertension is managed by making care more accessible and encouraging active patient participation. Virtual visits through telehealth allow patients, especially those in distant or underserved areas, to meet with providers from home. Mobile units and virtual care options improve outreach, while offering appointments at various times and providing services in multiple languages helps reduce access issues. Mobile apps let users record their blood pressure, get alerts to take medications, and connect with care teams. Bluetooth-enabled monitors automatically transmit readings to doctors, allowing for quick changes to treatment. Simple tools like text messages also help patients stay consistent with their medications and appointments.

# data[].attributes.headline
Epidemiological, Social, or Environmental data

# data[].attributes.subject
Epidemiological, Social, or Environmental data

# data[].attributes.body
Description- Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) refers to the use of digital tools like Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure monitors to gather patient data outside of traditional healthcare facilities. These devices send real-time information to healthcare professionals, allowing for continuous tracking and timely medical responses (The American Journal of Managed Care, 2023). This technology is especially beneficial for patients who live far from their healthcare providers. RPM enables earlier identification of hypertension-related problems, leading to quicker treatment changes and reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. A popular example of such technology is the Omron Connect device, which securely shares blood pressure readings with healthcare teams to improve management.

Outcome Data:

Globally, about 1.28 billion adults aged 30 to 79 have hypertension, with roughly two-thirds living in low- and middle-income countries. Nearly 46 percent of those affected are unaware of their condition, and fewer than half, approximately 42 percent, receive diagnosis and treatment. Only about one in five individuals with hypertension have their blood pressure well controlled. Hypertension remains a leading cause of premature death worldwide. An important international health objective aims to reduce hypertension rates by one-third between the years 2010 and 2030 (World Health Organization, 2023).

Evaluation outcome- Epidemiological data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that nearly half of U.S. adults have hypertension, yet only about 25% have it under control. Studies demonstrate that RPM can improve blood pressure control by promoting patient engagement and enabling providers to intervene quickly. For example, a meta-analysis showed that RPM led to an average reduction of 4.9 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure compared to usual care, which can significantly reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.

LINK to outcome data

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.123.22109

This study analyzed multiple trials and found that remote patient monitoring RPM and home blood pressure telemonitoring can lead to a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure by 4.9 mm Hg compared to usual care.

Link to current outcome data

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28332506/

A meta-analysis of 46 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 14,000 participants found that home blood pressure tele-monitoring, often using Bluetooth-enabled devices, significantly lowers blood pressure compared to usual care.

# data[].attributes.body
Two strategies to decrease the risk for HTN include a dietary approach and RPM. The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is a healthy eating plan designed to prevent or lower high blood pressure. The diet emphasizes eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and includes low-fat or fat-free dairy, fish, poultry, beans, and nuts. It limits foods high in sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats found in fatty meats and full-fat dairy. It incorporates potassium and magnesium which help regulate blood pressure and protect the heart and blood vessels (Mayo Clinic, 2023). This perseveres a healthy life by promoting a balanced diet with nutritious eating patterns that make it easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle over time. RPM reduces risks by continuous tracking of blood pressure. This allows early detection of HTN that may require medical intervention. This monitoring helps prevent complications such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage. RPM improves health outcomes by increasing patient adherence to treatment plans. Healthcare providers can quickly adjust medications or recommend lifestyle changes based on real-time data. RPM supports a healthy lifestyle by empowering patients to take an active role in managing their condition from home, reducing the need for frequent clinic visits making blood pressure management more convenient and consistent.

# data[].attributes.body
References

Acharya, S., Neupane, G., Seals, A., K.C., M., Giustini, D., Sharma, S., Taylor, Y. J., Palakshappa, D., Williamson, J. D., Moore, J. B., Bosworth, H. B., & Pokharel, Y. (2024). Self-measured blood pressure–guided pharmacotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of US-based telemedicine trials. Hypertension. https://doi.org/10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.22109

American Journal of Managed Care. (2023). Effect of remote patient monitoring on stage 2 hypertension. https://www.ajmc.com/view/effect-of-remote-patient-monitoring-on-stage-2-hypertension

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). High blood pressure facts. https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, December 13). Preventing high blood pressure. https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/prevention/index.html

Chaturvedi, A., Zhu, A., Gadela, N. V., Prabhakaran, D., & Jafar, T. H. (2023). Social determinants of health and disparities in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension, 81(3). https://doi.org/10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.21354

Duan, Y., Xie, Z., Dong, F., Wu, Z., Lin, Z., Sun, N., & Xu, J. (2017). Effectiveness of home blood pressure telemonitoring: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled studies. Journal of Human Hypertension, 31(7), 427–437. https://doi.org/10.1038/jhh.2016.99

Iqbal, A. M., & Jamal, S. F. (2023). Essential hypertension. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539859/

Kario, K., Harada, N., & Okura, A. (2022). Digital therapeutics in hypertension: Evidence and perspectives. Hypertension, 79(10). https://doi.org/10.1161/hypertensionaha.122.19414

Mass General Brigham. (2023). Study shows remote patient monitoring improves blood pressure. https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/remote-blood-pressure-monitoring

Mayo Clinic. (2023). DASH diet: Healthy eating to lower your blood pressure. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/dash-diet/art-20048456

McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. (2022). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

National Institutes of Health. (2023). Adverse social determinants of health linked to treatment-resistant hypertension in Black Americans. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/adverse-social-determinants-health-linked-treatment-resistant-hypertension-black-americans

UC Davis Health. (2025). Remote monitoring shows real results: UC Davis Health helps patients lower blood pressure at home. https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/remote-monitoring-shows-real-results-uc-davis-health-helps-patients-lower-blood-pressure-at-home/2025/06

World Health Organization. (2023). Hypertension. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension