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Research from the University of Illinois Chicago has highlighted the potential of brief consultations during emergency room visits to assist individuals in managing high blood pressure, often dubbed “the silent killer,” even before they show any signs of the condition.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is frequently termed the silent killer as its symptoms often become apparent only after serious health issues have arisen.
The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, involved over 500 patients with heightened blood pressure who sought care for various health concerns at UI Health’s emergency department. Prior to discharge, healthcare professionals discussed hypertension with these patients and provided them with a smartphone-connected blood pressure monitor for use over the subsequent six months.
Results showed that patients who participated in this intervention experienced significantly lower blood pressure levels six months post-visit compared to those who did not receive the intervention. These findings imply that simple, proactive measures taken during emergency visits could greatly enhance hypertension management, particularly among groups that are disproportionately affected or have limited access to ongoing medical care.
Dr. Heather Prendergast, the study’s lead author and a professor of emergency medicine at the College of Medicine, noted, “Emergency departments play a crucial role as the healthcare safety net.” She pointed out that individuals with limited access to healthcare services often only engage with healthcare providers during emergency situations.
Ordinarily, if a patient is found to have elevated blood pressure at the end of their emergency visit, the typical guidance is to seek a follow-up with their primary care physician or a community health center, such as UI Health’s Mile Square Health Center, if they lack a regular healthcare provider.
“However, we often see patients not following through with this advice,” Prendergast remarked, especially if they do not feel unwell. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to serious consequences, including heart failure, kidney damage, and strokes.
In the United States, nearly half of all adults grapple with high blood pressure, with pronounced health disparities among various demographics. Underrepresented groups demonstrate higher incidence rates and poorer health outcomes. In this particular study, 92% of participants were from underrepresented backgrounds within UI Health’s patient demographic.
Prendergast described the participant group as predominantly minority, high-risk individuals who are often underrepresented in clinical trials. This study is notable as it is the first of its kind funded by the NIH’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, tailored specifically to this patient demographic in the emergency room context.
At the initiation of the study, the rates of uncontrolled hypertension in the primary service area of UI Health were above the national average. With the implementation of this emergency department intervention among other initiatives, the rates of hypertension within this population have improved to slightly below the national average, showcasing UIC’s dedication to enhancing local health outcomes in Chicago.
“What thrilled me most was our post-trial survey results—over 90% of participants indicated they would recommend this study to others and felt more empowered to manage their blood pressure,” Prendergast said.
Looking ahead, Prendergast and her team plan to implement and test this intervention across five other emergency departments located in different states. “I aim to integrate these interventions into standard care practices. Rather than just providing referrals and asking patients to schedule their own appointments, we could supply them with more effective tools,” she stated.
UIC’s research team also included co-authors Spyros Kitsiou, Renee Petzel Gimbar, Sally Freels, Anissa Sanders, Dr. Martha Daviglus, Dr. Pavitra Kotini-Shah, and Shaveta Khosla.
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