Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Uncontrolled hypertension, or elevated blood pressure, remains the leading cause of death in the United States and is more common among low-income populations. This condition increases heart and artery strain, raising the risk of heart disease. Low-income patients often receive care in settings with fewer healthcare resources, which may hinder effective management of high blood pressure.
An NIH-funded research team studied 1,200 participants to determine if extra medical support could improve blood pressure control in low-income patients. Half received standard care, while the other half received standard care plus added provider support, including more frequent interactions and multidisciplinary care teams.
Results suggested that those receiving additional medical support were better at lowering their blood pressure and following their wellness plans. Dr. Katherine Mills of Tulane University, who led the study, noted that this team-based approach effectively reduced high blood pressure among low-income patients with uncontrolled hypertension in rural and urban areas.