Simple ER Intervention Effectively Lowers Blood Pressure, Study Finds
A brief consultation during an emergency room visit can significantly improve blood pressure management, even before symptoms appear, according to new research from the University of Illinois chicago (UIC). The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, offers a promising strategy for tackling hypertension - frequently enough called “the silent killer” due to its lack of noticeable early symptoms.
Researchers enrolled over 500 patients wiht elevated blood pressure who were seeking emergency care at UI Health, UIC’s health system.Before discharge, thes patients received education about hypertension and were provided with a smartphone-connected blood pressure monitor for six months of home monitoring.
The results showed a significant reduction in blood pressure among those who received the intervention, compared to those who did not.This suggests that integrating simple interventions into routine emergency department care can be highly effective, particularly for populations with limited access to regular healthcare or those disproportionately affected by hypertension.
“Emergency departments serve as a vital safety net,” explains Dr. Heather Prendergast, professor of emergency medicine at UIC and lead author of the study. “Many patients only interact with the healthcare system during emergency visits.” traditionally, these patients are advised to follow up with a primary care physician, but frequently enough do not.
The study focused on a high-risk population,with 92% of participants from underrepresented backgrounds – a group that often experiences higher rates of hypertension and poorer health outcomes. this research, funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, is the first of its kind to focus on this specific population within an emergency department setting.
The intervention has already shown positive results within the UI Health service area, bringing hypertension rates down to slightly below the national average. Importantly, a post-trial survey revealed that over 90% of participants woudl recommend the program to others and felt more empowered to manage their blood pressure.
Dr. Prendergast and her team are now expanding the study to five additional emergency departments across the contry, with the goal of establishing this intervention as a standard of care. “Instead of simply providing a referral,” she says, “we can equip patients with the tools they need to take control of their health.”